Available Dose Sizes of Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin is available in four tablet strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. 1
Rosuvastatin Dosage Information
Available Formulations
- 5 mg tablets: pink colored, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets 1
- 10 mg tablets: pink colored, round, biconvex, film coated tablets 1
- 20 mg tablets: pink colored, round, biconvex, film coated tablets 1
- 40 mg tablets: pink colored, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets 1
Dosage Categories by Intensity
Rosuvastatin doses are categorized by their LDL-C lowering effect:
- Low-intensity: Not applicable for rosuvastatin (all doses provide at least moderate LDL-C reduction) 2
- Moderate-intensity (30-49% LDL-C reduction): 5-10 mg 2
- High-intensity (≥50% LDL-C reduction): 20-40 mg 2
Clinical Considerations for Dosing
Standard Dosing
- The dosage range for adults is 5 mg to 40 mg orally once daily 1
- Specific dosing depends on:
- Patient's indication for usage
- Baseline LDL-C levels
- Individual risk for cardiovascular events 1
Special Population Considerations
- Asian patients: Start at 5 mg once daily due to increased plasma concentrations; maximum recommended dose is 20 mg daily 1
- Severe renal impairment: Start at 5 mg once daily; maximum dose should not exceed 10 mg daily 1
- Pediatric patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia:
- Ages 8 to <10 years: 5-10 mg once daily
- Ages 10 years and older: 5-20 mg once daily 1
- Pediatric patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia:
- Ages 7 years and older: 20 mg once daily 1
Drug Interactions
Rosuvastatin dosage may need adjustment when used with certain medications:
- With cyclosporine: Do not exceed 5 mg daily 1
- With gemfibrozil: Avoid concomitant use; if necessary, start at 5 mg daily and do not exceed 10 mg daily 1
- With various antiviral medications: Initiate at 5 mg daily and do not exceed 10 mg daily 1
Efficacy Considerations
- Rosuvastatin 5 mg reduces LDL-C by approximately 42-52%, making it more effective than comparable doses of other statins 3, 4
- Rosuvastatin 10 mg typically reduces LDL-C by 42-49% 4, 5
- Rosuvastatin 20-40 mg can reduce LDL-C by 50-65% 5, 6
- Most patients achieve approximately 90% of their maximum LDL-C reduction within the first two weeks of treatment 6
Clinical Pitfalls and Considerations
- When switching patients from other statins due to intolerance, lower doses of rosuvastatin (5-10 mg) may be better tolerated while still providing significant LDL-C reduction 7
- Rosuvastatin should be administered at least 2 hours before aluminum and magnesium hydroxide combination antacids 1
- For patients at very high cardiovascular risk, higher intensity statin therapy (rosuvastatin 20-40 mg) is recommended to achieve LDL-C reductions of ≥50% 2
- Rosuvastatin 5 mg may be particularly useful for patients at lower cardiovascular risk or those with increased potential for developing myopathy 4