Zocor
Zocor (simvastatin) is a prescription medication classified as a statin, used primarily to treat high cholesterol by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while modestly raising HDL (good) cholesterol. It is typically prescribed when diet and exercise changes alone have not adequately controlled cholesterol levels, and is used both to treat existing high cholesterol and to prevent cardiovascular events in at-risk patients.
Zocor is a cholesterol-lowering statin medication used to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with high cholesterol.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 196503
- Generic
- Zocor
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Zocor is used to treat primary hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) and mixed dyslipidemia, and is also prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events in high-risk patients.
Zocor belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by blocking an enzyme in the liver responsible for producing cholesterol, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood.
Zocor is typically taken once daily in the evening for best effectiveness. Patients should avoid grapefruit juice as it can increase drug levels. Common side effects include muscle aches, and in rare cases, serious muscle damage can occur. Liver function tests may be monitored during treatment. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy