Rosuvastatin tablets (often written as Tab. rosuvastatin) are a statin medicine used to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. Common strengths are 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.
Key points
- When it’s used
- Primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia
- To reduce cardiovascular risk in certain adults
- May be used for specific familial cholesterol disorders
- How to take
- Usually taken once daily, with or without food
- Take at the same time each day
- Do not crush or chew tablets; swallow whole
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose
- Dosing (general guidance)
- Typical starting dose: 5–10 mg once daily
- Up-titrate every 4 weeks as needed to reach goals
- Maximum dose: 40 mg once daily
- Dose may be adjusted based on LDL-C goals and tolerability
- In certain populations (e.g., significant kidney impairment or Asian ethnicity), doctors may start at a lower dose
- Important safety and warnings
- Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in liver enzymes: contraindicated
- Can cause muscle pain, weakness, or more rarely serious muscle injury (rhabdomyolysis), especially with certain other medicines
- Monitor liver enzymes and muscle symptoms if taking with other risk-enhancing drugs
- Use with caution in people with kidney impairment; dose adjustments may be needed
- Common side effects
- Headache, nausea, abdominal pain
- Muscle pain or weakness (report new or worsening symptoms)
- Elevations in liver enzymes (rare)
- Drug interactions to know (ask your clinician about these)
- Drugs that raise rosuvastatin levels or increase myopathy risk: certain antivirals, cyclosporine, some antifungals
- Gemfibrozil or high-dose niacin may increase risk of muscle injury
- Always tell your pharmacist/doctor about all medicines you take (prescription, OTC, supplements)
- Monitoring
- Lipid panel after starting or changing dose
- Liver function tests as advised
- Watch for signs of muscle problems, especially if taking interacting medicines
If you’d like, tell me your country/region and what you want to know (dose, brand names, who should not take it, exact interactions, etc.), and I can tailor the info. Also, if you have a current condition or meds, I can help assess potential interactions. This is general information and not a substitute for medical advice from a clinician.