An evaluation of rosuvastatin: pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and tolerability

Abstract

Background: The HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors (statins) are the most efficacious agents for lowering cholesterol. Statins reduce clinical cardiovascular events and are generally well tolerated. Objective: To review the efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin, the newest and most potent of the approved statins. Methods: A comprehensive (PubMed) search was performed to identify relevant publications up to May 2007. Results/conclusions: Rosuvastatin reduces LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) by up to 50%, and by 70% when combined with ezetimibe. Rosuvastatin also reduces plasma triglycerides and increases HDL-C, and slows atherosclerosis progression in coronary and carotid arteries in both low-risk and high-risk individuals. Tolerability is comparable with other statins. Clinical trials to evaluate cardiovascular outcomes have recently been published (CORONA) or are underway.

Keywords::

• atherosclerosis
• cardiovascular disease
• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
• rosuvastatin

Notes