Zocor

NURS 1566 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets (You will need to make additional copies of these forms) Generic Name Trade Name simvastatin Zocor Peak unknown

Onset unknown

Classification Dose Route Time/frequency HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors 40 mg PO Q hs lipid-lowering agents Duration Normal dosage range unknown 5mg/day initially. Increase at 4-week intervals up to 40mg/day

Why is your patient getting this medication High cholesterol Mechanism of action and indications (Why med ordered) Inhibit an enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which is responsible for catalyzing an early step in the synthesis of cholesterol.

For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions N/A Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions Hypersensitivity, cross-sensitivity among agents may occur, sepsis, acute hypotension, history of liver disease or significant alcohol use/abuse, visual disturbances. Use cautiously: Women of childbearing age. Common side effects Abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, flatus, heartburn, rashes, rhabdmyolysis (rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue)

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) None known for this patient

Lab value alterations caused by medicine Evaluate serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels before initiating, after 4-6 wk of therapy, and periodically thereafter. u s e ↑ a l k a l i n e p h o s p h a t a s e a n d b i l i r u b i n l e v

Nursing Process- Assessment (Pre-administration assessment) Obtain a dietary history, especially with regard to fat consumption, ophthalmic exams are recommended before and yearly during therapy.

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this med? If patient develops muscle tenderness during therapy, monitor CPK levels. If CPK levels are markedly ↑ or myopathy occurs, therapy should be discontinued.

Evaluation Check after giving Decrease in serum LDL, VLDL, and total cholesterol levels. Increase in HDL cholesterol levels. Decrease in triglyceride levels.