Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor) Uses

Rosuvastatin calcium is a cholesterol-lowering medication. It is used to lower the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) and to increase the levels of HDL (good cholesterol). This medication works as an adjunct to diet and exercise. The buildup of cholesterol in the walls of arteries can block the flow of blood to vital organs such as the heart and brain. By keeping cholesterol levels in check, rosuvastatin helps to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. It also reduces the need for heart surgery to open clogged blood vessels in patients with heart disease. 

There may be other uses of rosuvastatin. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor) Mechanism of Action

Rosuvastatin works by blocking the action of liver enzymes. Specifically it blocks an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which the liver needs to make cholesterol. 

Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor) Doses

Rosuvastatin calcium is available in tablet form in doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. The usual starting dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor) is 10 mg to 20 mg once a day. The dose range in adults is 5 mg to 40 mg per day. A dose of 40 mg per day is typically reserved for patients who do not reach target LDL levels with a 20-mg dose. 

In children between 10 and 17 years of age who have an inherited condition called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, the dose of rosuvastatin is usually 5 mg to 20 mg per day. The 40-mg dose is not given to children. The safety and efficacy of this medicine has not been studied in children younger than 7 years old.