Definition
A derivative of LOVASTATIN and potent competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HYDROXYMETHYLGLUTARYL COA REDUCTASES), which is the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. It may also interfere with steroid hormone production. Due to the induction of hepatic LDL RECEPTORS, it increases breakdown of LDL CHOLESTEROL.
Simvastatin is a hypolipidemic drug belonging to the class of pharmaceuticals called 'statins'. It is used to control hypercholesterolemia (elevated cholesterol levels) and to prevent cardiovascular disease. Simvastatin is a synthetic derivate of a fermentation product of Aspergillus terreus; Simvastatin is a powerful lipid-lowering drug that can decrease low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels by up to 50 percent. It is used in doses of 5 mg up to 80 mg. Higher doses (160 mg) have been found to be too toxic, while giving only minimal benefit in terms of lipid lowering. There is no real effect on HDL and triglyceride levels.; Simvastatin (INN) is a hypolipidemic drug belonging to the class of pharmaceuticals called 'statins'. It is used to control hypercholesterolemia (elevated cholesterol levels) and to prevent cardiovascular disease. Simvastatin is a synthetic derivate of a fermentation product of Aspergillus terreus; The drug is the form of an inactive lactone that is hydrolized after ingestion to produce the active agent. It is a white, nonhygroscopic, crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water, and freely soluble in chloroform, methanol and ethanol; Ezetimibe/simvastatin is a combination product to lower lipids and marketed as Vytorin. [HMDB]
Description
Simvastatin is a lipid-lowering agent that is derived synthetically from the fermentation of Aspergillus terreus. It is a potent competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (hydroxymethylglutaryl COA reductases), which is the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. It may also interfere with steroid hormone production. Due to the induction of hepatic LDL receptors, it increases breakdown of LDL cholesterol.
Top Gene Interactions
Related Pathways
General Information
- Metabolism: Hepatic, simvastatin is a substrate for CYP3A4. The major active metabolites of simvastatin are ‘_-hydroxyacid metabolite and its 6'-hydroxy, 6'-hydroxymethyl, and 6'-exomethylene derivatives Route of Elimination: Following an oral dose of 14C-labeled simvastatin in man, 13% of the dose was excreted in urine and 60% in feces. Half Life: 3 hours
- Uses/Sources: For the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and for the reduction in the risk of cardiac heart disease mortality and cardiovascular events. It can also be used in adolescent patients for the treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Health Effects: The most common adverse reactions that lead to discontinuation of therapy include gastrointestinal disorders (0.5%), myalgia (0.1%), and arthralgia (0.1%).
- Route of Exposure: Absorption of simvastatin, estimated relative to an intravenous reference dose, in each of two animal species tested, averaged about 85% of an oral dose. In animal studies, after oral dosing, simvastatin achieved substantially higher concentrations in the liver than in non-target tissues. However, because simvastatin undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism, the availability of the drug in the systemic is low. Peak plasma concentration occurs 1.3 - 2.4 hours after administration.
Mechanism of Action
| Target Name | Mechanism of Action | References |
|---|---|---|
|
Estrogen receptor Glucocorticoid receptor Androgen receptor Cellular tumor antigen p53 Cytochrome P450 19A1 Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group I member 2 Cytochrome P450 3A3 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase Cytochrome P450 2C19 Integrin beta-2 |
12433810 12518039 12671581 16828882 15041742 17289088 11752352 15936988 12852453 23611293 12677170 |