High blood cholesterol may be alarming, but even more alarming are the complications that may arise through mismanagement of one's cholesterol-lowering medication. Zocor is a sensitive medicine; when taking other substances and drugs with Zocor, side effects or health risks may occur. If you are already taking other medication, or if you anticipate that you are going to need to start a new medication routine, you need to consult your doctor about whether or not it is safe to take Zocor.

Some of the medicines that have been known to interact with Zocor are Posicor, niacin, erythromycin, nefazodone, certain antifungal drugs (i.e. ketoconazole), and immunosuppressant drugs such as AIDS medication. Among some patients who take coumarin anticoagulants with Zocor, side effects have also been observed - namely bleeding, or increased blood clotting. If you suffer from medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, muscle disorders or an underactive thyroid, and are taking medication for these diseases, it is best to consult your doctor before taking Zocor.

Zocor is taken regularly - 5 to 80mg a day, as recommended. This drug works by inhibiting the total production of cholesterol in the body. This is a delicate process which takes time to be fully in effect, therefore you should never take more than the recommended dose of Zocor. If you forgot to take your medicine at a scheduled time, do not take a double dose to make up for it! Take your medicine as soon as you remember to do so, but only in a regular dose. If it is almost time for you to take the next dose, just skip the dose you missed and continue taking Zocor according to schedule. Zocor is best taken at bedtime or in the evening, with a full glass of water and a full stomach.

The lifestyle that you lead makes a difference in how effective this drug will be in lowering your cholesterol levels. Some drinks and foodstuffs may raise your cholesterol levels - alcohol and fatty, greasy foods being the most notable of them. Removing saturated fats from your diet should help this medicine become more effective. Avoid red meat and food cooked in oils that are not polyunsaturated or monounsaturated (canola oil and olive oil are healthier alternatives to ordinary vegetable oil).

Stay away from butter and margarine that contain trans fatty acids; there should be low-fat dairy alternatives that would work better for your body. Avoid baked goods such as cakes and pastries, as well. The more cholesterol is in the food you eat, the harder it will be for Zocor to stabilize your cholesterol levels.

Alcohol may raise your triglyceride count, which may also raise your cholesterol. On top of this, it may severely harm your liver if you take Zocor with alcohol. Furthermore, avoid smoking! Smoking has been proven to lower the incidence of low-density lipoproteins (LDL - known as the "good" cholesterol) and increase the tendency of blood to clot.

If you are pregnant or nursing, do not take this drug. This may pass into your bloodstream and harm the baby. Zocor is not intended for use on small children, therefore it is advisable keep it out of their reach.

More common Zocor side effects include muscle pain, headaches, nausea and diarrhea. Even if you experience any or some of these side effects you may continue taking Zocor, but remember to tell your doctor about it during your next consultation. If you start experiencing severe muscle pain, fever and flu-like symptoms, or notice that your urine has gotten darker-colored, discontinue medication and consult your physician immediately.