How is Ezetimibe and Simvastatin dosed?
For the treatment of high cholesterol, the recommended oral dosage of Ezetimibe and Simvastatin for adults and children aged 10 to 17 years is one tablet containing either 10 mg of ezetimibe plus 10 mg of simvastatin or 10 mg of ezetimibe plus 20 mg of simvastatin, taken once daily in the evening. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as needed, but typically does not exceed 10 mg of ezetimibe plus 40 mg of simvastatin per day. Children younger than 10 years should follow their doctor's instructions for dosing.
What is the dosage form of Ezetimibe and Simvastatin?
The oral dosage form for Ezetimibe and Simvastatin is a tablet.
What medications are contraindication with Ezetimibe and Simvastatin?
Ezetimibe and Simvastatin oral route is contraindicated with the following medications:
- Boceprevir (Victrelis)
- Cobicistat-containing products (Stribild)
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
- Danazol (Danocrine)
- Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
- Nefazodone (Serzone)
- Telaprevir (Incivek)
- Certain antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, telithromycin, voriconazole, Nizoral)
- Medicines to treat HIV/AIDS (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, Crixivan, Kaletra, Lexiva, Norvir, Prezista, Reyataz)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem), dronedarone (Multaq), or verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan) at higher doses than ezetimibe 10 mg plus simvastatin 10 mg per day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Amiodarone (Cordarone), amlodipine (Norvasc), lomitapide (Juxtapid), or ranolazine (Ranexa) at higher doses than ezetimibe 10 mg plus simvastatin 20 mg per day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Cholestyramine (Questran) when taken within 2 hours before or 4 hours after this medicine. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for specific questions or concerns about other potential drug interactions.
How is Ezetimibe and Simvastatin administered?
Ezetimibe and Simvastatin oral route is administered as a tablet, to be taken once a day in the evening. The dosage for adults and children aged 10 to 17 years is usually one tablet containing either 10 mg of ezetimibe plus 10 mg of simvastatin or 10 mg of ezetimibe plus 20 mg of simvastatin. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as needed, but it is usually not more than 10 mg of ezetimibe plus 40 mg of simvastatin per day. Children younger than 10 years should consult their doctor for the appropriate dose.
What are common precautions when taking Ezetimibe and Simvastatin?
Common precautions when taking Ezetimibe and Simvastatin oral route include:
- Age considerations: Elderly patients may be at a higher risk for age-related muscle problems while taking this medication. Therefore, caution should be exercised in patients receiving Ezetimibe and Simvastatin combination.
- Pediatric use: Safety and efficacy in children younger than 10 years of age have not been established. The use and dose must be determined by a doctor for children in this age group.
- Breastfeeding: Studies in breastfeeding women have shown harmful effects on infants. Alternative medication should be prescribed, or breastfeeding should be discontinued while using this medicine.
- Drug interactions: Ezetimibe and Simvastatin should not be used if you are also taking specific medications such as boceprevir, cobicistat-containing products, cyclosporine, danazol, gemfibrozil, nefazodone, telaprevir, certain antibiotics, or medicines to treat HIV/AIDS. These combinations may increase your risk of muscle injury and kidney problems.
- Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
- Side effects: Common side effects may include muscle aches and pains, cramping, stiffness, pain in the arms or legs, runny or stuffy nose, shivering, sneezing, sore throat, sweating, swollen joints, trouble sleeping, and unusual tiredness or weakness. If you experience any other effects or notice side effects not listed, consult your healthcare professional. Please consult your doctor for more information and personalized advice regarding precautions when taking Ezetimibe and Simvastatin orally.