Review VYTORIN 30CPR 10mg+10mg

Instructions

my translation from the package insert :

"VYTORIN contains the active ingredients ezetimibe and simvastatin."

VYTORIN is a medicine that is used to decrease levels of total cholesterol, "bad" cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), and fatty substances called triglycerides in the blood. In addition, VYTORIN increases levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL cholesterol).  VYTORIN works in two ways to lower cholesterol. The active ingredient ezetimibe reduces cholesterol absorbed in the digestive tract. The active ingredient simvastatin which belongs to the class of "statins" inhibits the production of cholesterol synthesized by the body.  Cholesterol is one of several fatty substances found in the bloodstream. Total cholesterol is composed mainly of LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol."

Supplements and medicines are examined and evaluated solely from the point of view of their chemical composition, based on relevant scientific studies. No medical opinion is expressed on curative functions. If it is a prescription medicine, the judgement must be made by the treating physician.

Let us examine the most significant ingredients in order of quantity as indicated on the label. I provide a brief summary for reasons of space. For the full text, studies and bibliography, just click on the ingredient and, if you want to go deeper, it is perhaps a little complex reading because these are scientific studies, but it clarifies the ingredient/health relationship.

Ingredients

Active ingredients

• ezetimibe
• simvastatin

Each tablet contains 10 mg of ezetimibe and 10 mg of simvastatin.

Excipients and fim coating: 

butilidrossianisolo, acido citrico monoidrato, croscarmellosa sodica, ipromellosa, lattosio monoidrato, magnesio stearato, cellulosa microcristallina, propile gallato.

The tablets do not have a dividing line so they should not be divided.

Let's review the ingredients according to the quantities in the order listed on the label.

Ezetimibe. It is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor with lipid-lowering activity and is a derivative of azetidinone.Ezetimibe significantly reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. 

Simvastatina. A hypolipidemic drug, that is, one with activity in reducing levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and anti-inflammatory. Reductase inhibitor. Statin. Statins are taking on a key role in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, specifically hypercholesterolemia, and possess immunomodulatory properties.

Butilidrossianisolo. It is a widely used antioxidant additive in the cosmetic industry. and food industry, especially in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, vegetable oils, also in pharmaceuticals, rubber and petroleum products. The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources (EFSA, 2012 ) suggested for the acceptable daily intake level (ADI) 1 mg/kg body weight/day for BHA.

Acido citrico. It is a tricarboxylic acid and is obtained from lemon juice and other fruits, beet juice and other vegetables and is used by the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient in pharmaceutical products with functions of anticoagulant, antioxidant, preservative.

Croscarmellosa sodica (E468, Sodium CNC)  è un composto chimico emulsionante formato da cellulosa grezza trattata con composti di sodio. Serve per migliorare e accelerare il rilascio del farmaco nell'intestino.

Ipromellosa (HMPC) is a chemical compound usually used in the presence of cellulose as an emulsifier, stabilizer, suspending agent or thickener in food.

Lattosio monoidrato Is a disaccharide sugar that is extracted from milk. Industrially it is a chemical compound in the form of a white powder commonly used as a binding excipient, filling binder and compression aid in pharmaceutical mixtures

Magnesio stearato. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is an excipient for oral solid dosage forms.It is used as an essential lubricant in tablet manufacture, dissolution, disintegration and hardness.

Cellulosa microcristallina. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a coating for medicinal tablets. 

Propile gallato is a chemical compound, propyl ester of gallic acid, is one of the synthetic phenolic antioxidants (ZPS) that are added to fats and fried foods as food additives to minimize oxidative rancidity of oils and fats. Labeled with the number E310 in the list of food additives as an antioxidant and as such it performs its function in these tablets.