Rosuvastatin

Hypolipidaemic/Anti-atheroma · HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor

Indications

As an adjunct to diet in primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia when response to diet and exercise is inadequate. As monotherapy or as an adjunct to diet and other lipid lowering treatments in homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Dosage

Adults: Initially 5-10 mg once daily. If necessary, increase to 20 mg once daily after 4 wk. Max: 40 mg once daily, but only in severe hypercholesterolaemia with high cardiovascular risk where 20 mg dose is inadequate and a routine follow-up is done. Elderly: Over 70 yr, initially 5 mg once daily. Children: Under 10 yr, not recommended. Hyperlipidaemia including familial hypercholesterolaemia: 10-18 yr, initially 5 mg daily, increased if necessary at intervals of at least 4 wk to usual, max 20 mg once daily.

Adverse Effects

Headache, dizziness, GI upset, myalgia, asthenia, diabetes. Reports of immune-mediated necrotising myopathy.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Severe renal impairment. Active liver disease including elevated serum transaminases. Myopathy, acute serious conditions suggestive of myopathy or predisposing to renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. The use of 40 mg dose in Asian patients or patients with risk factors for myopathy or rhabdomyolysis such as moderate renal impairment, hypothyroidism, personal or family history of hereditary muscle disorders, previous history of muscle toxicity with a statin or fibrate, alcohol abuse. Precautions: Severe hepatic impairment, history of liver disease. Monitor liver function before and 3 months after starting treatment. Advise patients to report unexplained muscle weakness or pain; monitor creatine kinase levels, withdraw if >5xULN. Renal impairment, hypothyroidism, history of…

Interactions

Gemfibrozil, fibrates, nicotinic acid, cyclosporin, azole antifungals, protease inhibitors, macrolides, warfarin, antacids, oral contraceptives, ezetimibe, vit K antagonists, eltrombopag, simeprevir, with or within 7 days of systemic fusidic acid.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Contact prescriber if there is unusual chest pain, swelling of extremities, weight gain >5 lb per week, constant cough, constant muscle or skeletal pain, joint pain, weakness, numbness, skin rash, difficulty in breathing, throat tightness, choking sensation or swelling of face/mouth. Have periodic blood tests as advised by prescriber to check drug's effectiveness.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: Within 1 wk, maximal at 4 wks. Metabolism: Hepatic (10%). Bioavailability: 20% (high first-pass extraction by liver). Half-life elimination: 19 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 3-5 hrs. Excretion: Faeces (90%).

Brands with this active ingredient

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.