SPL Set ID: 593f0007-9690-4de5-b1e9-59299e587643

Simvastatin is a lipid-lowering agent that is derived synthetically from a fermentation product of Aspergillus terreus . After oral ingestion, simvastatin, which is an inactive lactone, is hydrolyzed to the corresponding β-hydroxyacid form. This is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, which is an early and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Simvastatin is butanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-,1,2,3,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,7-dimethyl-8-[2-(tetrahydro-4­hydroxy-6-oxo-2H-pyran-2-yl)-ethyl]-1-naphthalenyl ester, [1S-[1α,3α,7β,8β(2S*,4S*),-8aβ]]. The empirical formula of simvastatin is C 25 H 38 O 5 and its molecular weight is 418.57. Its structural formula is: Simvastatin is a white to off-white, nonhygroscopic, crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water, and freely soluble in chloroform, methanol and ethanol. Simvastatin tablets, USP for oral administration contain either 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg or 80 mg of simvastatin and the following inactive ingredients: ascorbic acid, citric acid, hypromellose, iron oxides, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch (maize), talc,colloidal silicone dioxide and titanium dioxide. Butylated hydroxyanisole is added as a preservative. Simvastatin 10mg, 20mg, and 40 mg contain red and yellow ferric oxide. Simvastatin 80 mg contains red ferric oxide. Structure