Zocor and Lipitor are both effective at loweringlow-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, considered “bad” cholesterol.
Statins are grouped by intensity based on their LDL-lowering ability.
The higher the intensity, the greater the percentage the statin can lower LDL.
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Lipitor is available in higher-intensity doses than Zocor, which is available in low-intensity and moderate-intensity strengths.
Main Similarities and Differences
Which Is More Effective for Lowering Cholesterol?
When atorvastatin is dosed at 4080 mg once a day, it is considered a high-intensity statin.
A high-intensity statin can lower LDL levels by 50% or more from baseline.
In contrast, simvastatin is only available as a moderate- orlow-intensity statin.
Your healthcare provider will determine which intensity of statin is best for you.
Can You Switch Between Simvastatin and Atorvastatin?
you could potentially switch between simvastatin and atorvastatin under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Increasing the intensity of the statin or the dose usually raises the risk of developing muscle pain.
Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Diabetes
Using any statin may increase yourblood sugar levels.
However, statins can also reduce your risk of a heart attack and stroke.
In addition to lowering cholesterol, regularly monitoring blood sugar levels is important in diabetes.
This can heighten the risk of muscle pain and liver damage.
The above medications may also interact with atorvastatin but to a lesser extent.
Dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Amiodarone can increase simvastatin levels in the blood, potentially leading to muscle pain or liver damage.
To minimize this risk, the daily simvastatin dosage should not exceed 20 mg while taking amiodarone.
To minimize this risk, the daily simvastatin dosage should not exceed 10 mg while taking verapamil or diltiazem.
These interactions can also occur with atorvastatin, with an increased risk at higher doses.
When to Take Simvastatin or Atorvastatin?
Simvastatin is best taken in the evening because your body produces the most cholesterol at night.
In contrast,atorvastatin can be taken any time of the daybecause it is a longer-acting statin than simvastatin.
This means its effects will last longer than shorter-acting statins, such as simvastatin.
What Happens If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a simvastatin dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose.
If you miss an atorvastatin dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal scheduled dose.
Do not take two doses at the same time.
Summary
Simvastatin and atorvastatin are cholesterol-lowering medications classified as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
They lower cholesterol levels by preventing cholesterol production in the liver.
Statins are grouped by low-, moderate-, or high-intensity based on the specific statin and dose.
Atorvastatin has better cholesterol-lowering effects than simvastatin.
Consult with a healthcare provider to find the most appropriate medication and dosage for you.
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DailyMed.Label: Zocor- simvastatin tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Lipitor- atorvastatin calcium tablet, film coated.
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