Rosuvastatin: Uses, Dosage, and Precautions
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Daya S Vaswani, Cardiology
Rosuvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine used to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). It is commonly prescribed in doses like 10 mg or 20 mg tablets.
The medication helps prevent heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. It works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Always take it as directed by your doctor.
Rosuvastatin is a type of drug known as a statin, usually taken as tablets by mouth. Crestor is the brand name for Rosuvastatin, but it may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name drug.
Rosuvastatin belongs to a group of medicines called statins. It works by blocking a substance in the liver that the body uses to make cholesterol.
By doing this, it lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while also increasing good cholesterol (HDL). This helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other circulation problems.
Rosuvastatin is usually taken once daily, with or without food. The dose depends on your cholesterol levels, medical condition, and response to treatment. Common doses include rosuvastatin 5 mg, rosuvastatin 10 mg, rosuvastatin 20 mg, and rosuvastatin 40 mg tablets.
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Get Second OpinionIf you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses at once.
In case of overdose, symptoms may include muscle pain, weakness, nausea, or dark urine. Seek medical help immediately. Long-term overdose can lead to serious muscle and liver damage.
Typical adult dosage ranges from 5 mg to 40 mg once daily, with or without food. Dosage depends on cholesterol levels, age, and risk of heart disease.
Rosuvastatin may interact with certain drugs, which can affect how it works or increase the risk of side effects. Common interacting medications include:
Herbal products like St. John's Wort or supplements such as red yeast rice may reduce Rosuvastatin's effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects like muscle pain. Always consult your doctor before combining them.
Store Rosuvastatin tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
The ideal storage temperature for Rosuvastatin is between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
If exposed to extreme conditions, the medicine may lose potency or become unsafe to use. Improper storage can lead to reduced effectiveness or chemical changes that might harm your health.
| Rosuvastatin (Crestor) | Atorvastatin (Lipitor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) | Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) |
| Main Use | Prevents cardiovascular disease and treats abnormal lipid levels in high-risk patients | Prevents cardiovascular disease and lowers abnormal lipid levels |
| How It Works | Reduces liver cholesterol production, lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, increases good cholesterol (HDL) | Slows cholesterol production to prevent buildup in arteries, improving blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs |
| Used With | Dietary changes, exercise, and weight loss | Dietary changes, exercise, and weight loss |

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040-68334455Rosuvastatin is from a class of drugs known as statins. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, it is used to lower it. It is also used to prevent heart and blood vessel disease, as well as heart attacks and strokes.
Yes, but only a little. Cholesterol-lowering medications, also known as statins, are designed to reduce an important component of your total blood cholesterol
Apart from Lipitor (atorvastatin), rosuvastatin is the most effective statin for lowering LDL. It differs from simvastatin and many other statins in several ways.
Rosuvastatin reaches peak levels three to five hours after oral administration. However, it may take one to two weeks of consistent dosing before you notice improvements in your cholesterol level, and it may take up to four weeks before you notice the full cholesterol-lowering effects of rosuvastatin.
Muscle pain is the most common side effect of all types of statins, and it can keep people awake at night and unable to sleep.
Rosuvastatin and Vitamin D3 have found to have no interactions between them. This does not mean that no interactions exist between them.
It has not shown an excess gain in weight of the patients taking rosuvastatin.
Results for lowering cholesterol may be seen in 2–4 weeks after starting the cholesterol-lowering medication.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.