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How and when to take simvastatin

Always take simvastatin as instructed by your doctor and follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Dosage

The usual dose of simvastatin for adults is between 10mg and 40mg once a day. People with very high cholesterol levels may be prescribed a higher dose of 80mg a day.

Your dose will depend on why you need the medicine, your cholesterol levels, and other medicines you’re taking. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure how much to take.

Do not reduce your dose without talking to your doctor first.

Doses for children

Your child’s doctor will work out the dose that is right for them. This will depend on their age and why they need simvastatin.

The usual starting dose of simvastatin in children is 10mg. This dose may be increased to a maximum of 40mg.

How to take it

Take simvastatin once a day in the evening. This is because your body makes most of its cholesterol at night, so simvastatin works better at lowering cholesterol at night than in the morning.

Simvastatin does not upset your stomach, so you can take it with or without food.

Swallow simvastatin tablets whole with a glass of water

Do not drink grapefruit juice while you’re taking simvastatin. It can increase the level of simvastatin in your blood.

How long to take it

Usually, treatment with a statin such as simvastatin is for life. The benefits will only continue for as long as you take it. If you stop taking simvastatin without starting a different treatment, your cholesterol may rise again.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take extra doses.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

Stopping simvastatin

You may want to stop simvastatin if you think you’re having side effects.

Talk to your doctor first to see if it really is a side effect of simvastatin or an unrelated problem. Your doctor may advise you to lower your dose or change your medicine.

You will not get any withdrawal symptoms. However, stopping simvastatin may cause your cholesterol to rise. This increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

If you want to stop taking your medicine, it’s important to find another way to lower your cholesterol.

If you take too much

Taking an extra dose of simvastatin is unlikely to harm you.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you’re worried or if you take more than 1 extra dose.

Page last reviewed: 4 February 2022
Next review due: 4 February 2025