Free tool
Can I eat this with Simvastatin?
Grapefruit juice can stop simvastatin working properly and raise its levels, while alcohol can increase the risk of side effects; most other food is fine.
Also sold as Lloydspharmacy Cholesterol Lowering, Ranzolont, Simvador, Zocor, Zocor Heart-Pro. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.
Our Statins page also covers Simvastatin and gives one answer for the whole group. This page follows Simvastatin’s own NHS page, so where the two differ, go by this one.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 44 foods and drinks for Simvastatin (10 to avoid, 27 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Simvastatin with food?
- Take it at the same time each day, usually in the evening, with or without food.
- Can I drink grapefruit juice with Simvastatin?
- No, avoid it. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking simvastatin, as it can stop the medicine working properly.
- Can I eat grapefruit with Simvastatin?
- No, avoid it. Grapefruit juice can stop simvastatin working properly, so leave it out.
- Can I drink alcohol with Simvastatin?
- Yes, with care. Don't drink too much alcohol, as it can raise your risk of side effects.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Grapefruit juice can stop simvastatin working properly and raise its levels, while alcohol can increase the risk of side effects; most other food is fine.
You can eat as normal while taking simvastatin. Avoid grapefruit juice, as it can stop the medicine working properly. It's best not to drink too much alcohol, as this can increase your risk of side effects.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: Take it at the same time each day, usually in the evening, with or without food.
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Foods to avoid with Simvastatin· 10
Take care with Simvastatin· 27
Fine with Simvastatin· 7
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Simvastatin
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 6 October 2026. How we check
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Simvastatin guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Simvastatin
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.
Medicines with similar food rules
Affected by the same foods as Simvastatin.