Vytorin detailed information

Overview
Ezetimibe/simvastatin (IPA: ) is a drug combination used for the treatment of dyslipidemia. It is a combination of ezetimibe (best known as Zetia in the United States) and the statin drug simvastatin (best known as Zocor in the U.S.). The combination preparation is marketed by Merck & Co./Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals (joint venture) under the trade names Vytorin and Inegy.

Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol that the body absorbs from the food ingested.

Simvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or statin. It works by blocking an enzyme that is necessary for the body to make cholesterol.

Contraindications

 * Acute liver disease
 * Pregnancy and breast feeding

Side effects

 * Myopathy
 * Rhabdomyolysis
 * Myalgia
 * Pain in extremities, abdomen,
 * Angioedema
 * Hepatitis
 * Eczema
 * Fatigue
 * Headache
 * Influenza, Pharyngitis, sinusitis and upper respiratory tract infection

Interactions

 * Cyclosporine
 * Danazol
 * Protease inhibitors
 * Verapamil
 * Amiodarone
 * Large amounts of niacin (nicotinic acid), grapefruit juice
 * Erythromycin, telithromycin, clarithromycin
 * Nefadozone