The main difference between atorvastatin and rosuvastatin is that atorvastatin less efficiently improves lipid profile, whereas rosuvastatin more efficiently improves lipid profile.
Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are two statins that decrease the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetic patients. Type 2 diabetes is associated with hyperglycemia, insulin deficiency, and insulin resistance. Also, it contributes to characteristic dyslipidemia, accelerated atherosclerosis, and increased cardiovascular diseases.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Atorvastatin
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Rosuvastatin
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ – Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin
– Answers to frequently asked questions
Key Terms
Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin
What is Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is a medicine used with a proper diet to lower bad cholesterol and fats, such as LDLs and triglycerides, and to raise good cholesterol, such as HDL, in the blood. Also, it is a statin drug that reduces the amount of cholesterol the liver makes. However, lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease. Therefore, it helps to prevent heart attacks and stroke. Additionally, atorvastatin is an oral suspension of 20 Mg/5 Ml.
Figure 1: Atorvastatin
Furthermore, the brand name of atorvastatin is Lipitor. It is a first-line treatment for preventing cardiovascular disease. Diarrhea, joint pain, heartburn, nausea, and muscle pains are the side effects of atorvastatin. Rhabdomyolysis, liver problems, and diabetes are the severe side effects.
What is Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin is another medicine used with a proper diet to lower bad cholesterol and fat and raise good cholesterol in the blood. It is also a type of statin that reduces the liver’s cholesterol. Therefore, it prevents the risk of heart disease such as stroke and heart attack. Rosuvastatin calcium is a drug used orally as directed by a doctor.
Figure 2: Rosuvastatin
Moreover, rosuvastatin is sold under the brand name Crestor. Also, it is recommended to use it together with dietary changes, weight loss, and exercise. It inhibits the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme in the liver to prevent the production of cholesterol. Abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, and muscle pains are the side effects of rosuvastatin.
Similarities Between Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin
- Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are two statin drugs that decrease the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetic patients.
- Additionally, they inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase activity in the liver, which decreases plasma LDL-C levels.
- They reduce mortality and morbidity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerosis.
- Also, they reduce oxidative effects and inflammation due to their pleiotropic effects.
- However, they have different efficacies due to their different pharmacokinetics and structures.
- Both are taken orally.
- They are more potent drugs with a half-life of 14 hours.
- They can be taken at any time due to a longer duration of action.
Difference Between Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin
Definition
Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to prevent cardiovascular disease in those at high risk and treat abnormal lipid levels. In contrast, rosuvastatin refers to a statin medication used to prevent cardiovascular disease in those at high risk and reduce the amount of cholesterol made by the liver.
Recommended Use for Cardiovascular Disease
Atorvastatin is used in the first-line treatment, while rosuvastatin is used together with dietary changes, exercise, and weight loss.
Brand Name
Atorvastatin is sold under the trade name Lipitor, while rosuvastatin is sold under the trade Crestor.
Efficacy of Improving Lipid Profile
Atorvastatin less efficiently improves lipid profile, while rosuvastatin more efficiently improves lipid profile.
FAQ: Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin
Which is better to take atorvastatin or rosuvastatin?
Rosuvastatin more efficiently reduces the plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) than atorvastatin, simvastatin, or pravastatin.
Can I switch from atorvastatin to rosuvastatin?
High-risk patients may see a significant decrease of LDL-C by switching atorvastatin to rosuvastatin.
What is the best statin with the least side effects?
Simvastatin (Zocor) or pravastatin (Pravachol) are the best statins with fewer side effects.
Conclusion
In brief, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are two statin drugs that prevent cardiovascular disease by treating abnormal lipid levels. Atorvastatin is sold under the brand name Lipitor. It is less efficient in improving lipid profile. Also, it is used as a first-line treatment. In comparison, rosuvastatin is used together with dietary changes, weight loss, and exercise. However, it is more efficient in improving lipid profiles. Additionally, it is sold under the brand name Crestor. Therefore, the main difference between atorvastatin and rosuvastatin is their efficacy in improving lipid profiles.
References:
- WebMD. (n.d.-a). Atorvastatin Oral: Uses, side effects, interactions, pictures, warnings & dosing. WebMD.
- WebMD. (n.d.-c). Rosuvastatin Oral: Uses, side effects, interactions, pictures, warnings & dosing. WebMD.
Image Courtesy:
- “Atorvastatin” By Harbin – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Rosuvastatin structure” By Vaccinationist – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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