Vytorin | ezetimibe/simvastatin 

Medication Class: Selective intestinal cholestrol inhibitor and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Manufacturer: Merck
Approval date: July, 2004

What is Vytorin and how does it work

Vytorin is a combination of ezetimibe (Zetia) and the "statin" simvastatin (Zocor) and is used to lower cholesterol. The ezetimibe component blocks absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. Simvastatin inhibits the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase which is needed for the production of cholesterol in the liver. The combination of both medications lowers cholesterol better than either one alone.

What is Vytorin used for

• Reducing Total cholesterol
• Reducing LDL cholesterol
• Reducing Triglycerides
• Increasing HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).

How effective is Vytorin

• Reduces LDL cholesterol by 45-60%
• Reduces triglycerides by 23-31%
• Increases HDL (good cholesterol) by 8-10%

What are interesting facts about Vytorin

• Combines two cholesterol drugs with different mechanisms of action
• Potent LDL reducer

What is the dosage of Vytorin 

Supplied as Vytorin 10/10, 10/20, 10/40, and 10/80 mg tablets. 

The dosage is 10/10 mg to 10/40 mg administered orally once daily in the evening with or with out food. Because of the risk of muscle toxicity the 10/80 mg dose is restricted to patients already taking this dose for 12 months or more without developing muscle toxicity.

What are the side effects of Vytorin

Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, muscle pain, and abnormal liver tests.

Statins have been associated with increased blood glucose levels, increased risk of diabetes, and memory loss.

Serious: Liver damage, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, pancreatitis

Vytorin drug interactions

• Large quantities of grape fruit juice (>1 quart daily)
• Erythromycin (E-Mycin), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), posaconazole (Noxafil)
• HIV protease inhibitors (Crixivan, Norvir), danazol (Danocrine)
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
• Amiodarone (Cordarone)
• Ranolazine (Ranexa)
• Verapamil (Calan), diltiazem (Cardizem), amlodipine (Norvasc)
• Niacin (Niaspan)
• Gemfibrozil (Lopid), and fenofibrate (Tricor)
• warfarin (Coumadin)
• Cholestyramine

How to obtain prescription assistance for Vytorin

For prescription assistance for Vytorin visit Merck Patient Assistance Program.

References: Vytorin FDA Prescribing Information (PI) and Medication Guide.

The material on this site is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.