| Simvastatin is in a group of drugs known as statins. These drugs are
commonly used to lower cholesterol levels in people that are at risk for
cardiovascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. |
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The Structure of Simvastatin.
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| Simvastatin is also a nonpolar molecule. Its functional groups include
two esters and an alcohol. The pKa’s are 16 and 25 respectively. Simvastatin
can produce an enol form as seen in. After the ester becomes hydrolyzed
a glucuronide ring is able to conjugate with the molecule and allow for
intestinal absorption. |
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Simvastatin with glucuronide ring attached.
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