Zocor In

Adrianne Bazo 11-18-09 Generic Name Trade Name simvastin Zocor Peak unknown

Onset unknown

Clinical Medications Worksheets Classification Dose Route Time/frequency HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors 20mg PO Q hs lipid-lowering agents Duration Normal dosage range 5mg/day initially. Increase at 4-week intervals (not to exceed unknown

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.

10mg/day in patients receiving cyclosporine or 20mg/day in patients receiving amiodarone or verapamil) up to 40mg/day

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 Common side effects Abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, flatus, heartburn, rashes

Adrianne Bazo 11-18-09 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 t h y r o i d f u n c t i o n t e s t a b n o r m a l i t i e s .

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication Instruct patient to take medication as directed and not to skip doses or double up on missed doses. Advise patient to avoid drinking more that 1 qt/day of grapefruit juice during therapy. Medication helps control but does not cure elevated serum cholesterol levels. Advise patient that this medication should be used in conjunction with diet restrictions (fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, alcohol), exercise. Instruct patient to notify health care professional if unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness occurs, especially if accompanied by fever or malaise. Advise patient to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions (rare). Emphasize the importance of follow-

Adrianne Bazo 11-18-09 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 Slowing of the progression of coronary artery disease