TempoLife › Medicine reference › simvastatin
Simvastatin
High cholesterol, to lower long-term risk to the heart and blood vessels.
General information only, not medical advice, and no doses. Read the leaflet in your pack and ask a pharmacist about your own situation, other medicines, pregnancy or any health condition.
At a glance
| Generic name | Simvastatin |
|---|---|
| Type | Statin — lowers cholesterol |
| Commonly used for | High cholesterol, to lower long-term risk to the heart and blood vessels. |
| With food? | Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided, as they can raise the level of this statin in the body. |
| Alcohol | Heavy drinking is not advised with statins; the occasional drink is usually fine — confirm with your doctor. |
| Timing | Usually taken in the evening, because the body makes most of its cholesterol overnight. |
Food and drink
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided, as they can raise the level of this statin in the body. Heavy drinking is not advised with statins; the occasional drink is usually fine — confirm with your doctor.
When to take it
Usually taken in the evening, because the body makes most of its cholesterol overnight.
Good to know
Report any unexplained muscle pain or weakness to a doctor. If anything about your own use is unclear, a pharmacist can advise for free.
Other common medicines
Paracetamol
Mild to moderate pain such as headache, toothache and muscle aches, and lowering a fever.
Ibuprofen
Pain, inflammation and fever — for example period pain, sprains, back pain and dental pain.
Aspirin
Pain and fever at normal doses; a low daily dose is used, only on medical advice, to reduce clotting risk.
Naproxen
Pain and inflammation, including muscle and joint pain and period pain; it is longer-acting than ibuprofen.
Omeprazole
Heartburn, acid reflux and stomach or gut ulcers.
Loratadine
Hay fever and other allergies, and itchy hives.
Source: General medicine information paraphrased from standard patient-information-leaflet guidance. Always read the leaflet in your pack. · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
What is Simvastatin used for?
High cholesterol, to lower long-term risk to the heart and blood vessels.
Can I drink alcohol with Simvastatin?
Heavy drinking is not advised with statins; the occasional drink is usually fine — confirm with your doctor.
Should I take Simvastatin with food?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided, as they can raise the level of this statin in the body.
See the pattern over time
TempoLife logs symptoms, food and sleep, so you can bring a clear picture to your pharmacist or doctor.