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Statin evening dosing — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsStatin evening dosingGPhC CRA

A patient starting simvastatin 40 mg asks why the label says to take it at night. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Take simvastatin in the evening because cholesterol synthesis is higher overnight

Shorter-acting statins such as simvastatin are usually taken in the evening to align with hepatic cholesterol synthesis. In this vignette, "Take simvastatin in the evening because cholesterol synthesis is higher overnight" is the safest single best answer. The other options are less appropriate because they miss the key clinical risk, conflict with UK medicines guidance, or delay needed review.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS