What is Rosuvastatin?
Rosuvastatin is taken in conjunction with a low-fat diet to help lower “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), raise “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and drop triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
Rosuvastatin uses?
Rosuvastatin is used to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. Additionally, it lowers your triglyceride levels (fats in your blood). Enhancing your cholesterol levels helps avoid the formation of blockages in your arteries. These blockages can result in major complications, such as heart attack or stroke.
Rosuvastatin mechanism of action
Rosuvastatin is a statin drug that acts as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a rate-limiting step in cholesterol manufacture. Rosuvastatin primarily operates in the liver, where reduced hepatic cholesterol levels drive the upregulation of hepatic low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, resulting in an increase in hepatic LDL absorption. Additionally, rosuvastatin suppresses the formation of extremely low density lipoprotein in the liver (VLDL). 44 The overall impact is a reduction in plasma LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels.
Rosuvastatin Dosage
Tablets are available at following strengths:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 milligrams
- 40 milligram
Consider the Following Dosage Considerations:
Hypercholesterolemia: Hypertriglyceridemia, hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis prevention, and primary dysbetalipoproteinemia.
Initially, 10-20 mg orally once daily; may titrate to a maximum of 40 mg/day.
5-40 mg/day
Familial hypercholesterolemia in homozygotes: Begin with 20 mg orally once daily; titrate to a maximum of 40 mg/day.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Heterozygotes (HeFH): Indicated to decrease total-C, LDL-C, and ApoB levels in children and adolescents aged 8-17 years if the following data are present following an acceptable trial of diet therapy: LDL-C concentrations greater than 190 mg/dL, or greater than 160 mg/dL in combination with a positive family history of early cardiovascular disease (CVD), or two or more risk factors for CVD.
Children under the age of eight years: safety and efficacy have not been proved. Children aged eight to ten years: 5-10 mg orally once daily. 5-20 mg orally once daily in children aged 10-17 years; dose may be adjusted at intervals of at least 4 weeks; not to exceed 20 mg/day.
Administration
Rosuvastatin is administered through a pill or tablet. Orally or by nasogastric tube, the capsule can be delivered. Oral administration can be used with or without meals and at any time of day. It should be eaten whole.
Rosuvastatin side effects
These adverse consequences occur in approximately 1 in every 100 people. Continue taking the medication, but notify your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following adverse effects persist or are bothersome:
- Ill to my stomach
- Headaches
- Stomach ache
- Experiencing weakness or dizziness
- Constipation
- Protein in your pee (if you’re taking the larger 40mg dose) – this is a side effect that your doctor will check for because there are no symptoms associated with it.
Drug interaction
Clinicians should exercise caution when co-administering rosuvastatin with vitamin K antagonists, cyclosporine (ciclosporin), gemfibrozil, or antiretroviral medicines, as possible pharmacokinetic interaction with these compounds may raise the risk of toxicity.
Rosuvastatin precautions/ safety information
- If you develop black urine, a fever, muscle cramps or spasms, muscle pain or stiffness, or unusual tiredness or weakness, contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms could be indicative of a dangerous muscular disorder called rhabdomyolysis, which can result in kidney damage.
- Consult your physician immediately if you have upper stomach pain or soreness, pale feces, dark urine, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. These may be signs of more serious liver disease.
- Do not discontinue or adjust your dose without first consulting your physician, even if you are feeling well.
Storage
It should be stored at room temperature, away from sources of excessive heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Contraindications
Conditions:
- Untreated hypothyroidism results in a low level of thyroid hormones.
- Dehydration
- Alcoholism
- A cerebral hemorrhage
- Liver ailment
- Difficulties with the liver
- Urine that is bloody
- Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that results in the breakdown of muscle tissue.
- Recent surgical procedure
- Memory impairment
Pregnancy or lactation
Rosuvastatin may cause harm to an unborn child. If you become pregnant while taking rosuvastatin, immediately discontinue use and contact your health care provider.