Vitamin E - Simcor (Niacin, Simvastatin) Interaction
Herbal: Vitamin E
Also Known As: Alpha-tocopherol, Beta-tocopherol, Delta-tocopherol, Gamma-tocopherol
Drug: Niacin, Simvastatin
Brand names:
Simcor

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Niacin, Simvastatin is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, vitamin E might induce metabolism of CYP3A4, possibly reducing the levels CYP3A4 substrates.
Vitamin E appears to bind with the nuclear receptor, pregnane X receptor (PXR), which results in increased expression of CYP3A4. Although the clinical significance of this is not known, use caution when considering concomitant use of vitamin E and other drugs affected by these enzymes.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Landes N, Pfluger P, Kluth D, et al. Vitamin E activates gene expression via the pregnane X receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2003;65:269-73. .
- Brigelius-Flohe R. Vitamin E and drug metabolism. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2003;305:737-40.
Interaction Details
Niacin, Simvastatin is classified as belonging to the following category: Niacin
Vitamin E might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in people with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50%. Vitamin E alone combined with a statin does not seem to decrease HDL levels. It is not known whether the adverse effect on HDL is due to one of the other antioxidants or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93.
- Stein JH, Carlsson CM, Papcke-Benson K, et al. The effects of lipid-lowering and antioxidant vitamin therapies on flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery in older adults with hypercholesterolemia. J Am Coll Cardiol 2001;38:1806-13..
- Carlsson CM, Papcke-Benson K, Carnes M, et al. Health-related quality of life and long-term therapy with pravastatin and tocopherol (vitamin E) in older adults. Drugs Aging 2002;19:793-805. .
- Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6.
Vitamin E Overview

Vitamin E - More Interactions
Vitamin E interacts with 742 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
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Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.