Simvastatin and Alcohol

Simvastatin and alcohol both have a tendency to lead to liver inflammation. Elevation of the hepatic transaminases is one reason to discontinue treatment with simvastatin so although there is no specific drug to drug interaction between simvastatin and alcohol it is best to avoid heavy alcohol intake while on simvastatin.

In addition alcohol intake can lead to elevation of serum triglycerides while a reduction in triglycerides is a desired benefit of simvastatin. The reduction in triglycerides by simvastatin may be lessened by ingestion of alcohol.

Simvastatin is one of several drugs in the class of medications called the statins. These medications function in the liver to reduce the production of LDL cholesterol by inhibiting the function of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. Since alcohol consumption in excess can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure generally the statins are not prescribed to patients with heavy chronic alcohol intake.

The most common simvastatin side effects include muscle pain and inflammation called myopathy. This can also lead to muscle weakness and elevation of the muscle protein creatine kinase in the bloodstream. Alcohol in excess can also lead to myopathy and so although it is not likely a problem to use small amounts of alcohol while taking simvastatin, simvastatin and alcohol in excess can lead to multiple adverse effects. In general physicians monitor both the efficacy of simvastatin in reduction of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides periodically as well as checking AST or ALT, the liver transaminase markers in the serum, looking for evidence of hepatic toxicity from simvastatin.

So in summary avoid simvastatin and alcohol in excess.