Rosuvastatin
| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | Crestor |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Antihyperlipidemic |
| Pharmacologic class | Statin |
| Onset / peak / duration | Onset about 1 week; peak effect 4 weeks; sustained daily. |
| Half-life / level | Half-life about 19 hours; no routine level. |
| Routes | PO (oral) |
| High-alert (ISMP) | No |
| Black box warning | None |
| Antidote / reversal | None. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Contraindicated. |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Rosuvastatin (brand name Crestor) — Antihyperlipidemic; Statin.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Antihyperlipidemic.
- Pharmacologic class: Statin.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Same as atorvastatin; among the most potent LDL-lowering statins.
- Onset / peak / duration: Onset about 1 week; peak effect 4 weeks; sustained daily.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life about 19 hours; no routine level.
Clinical use
- Indications: Hyperlipidemia, slowing atherosclerosis, cardiovascular risk reduction.
- Usual dose, route, frequency: 5 to 40 mg PO once daily.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Max 40 mg/day; start 5 mg in severe renal impairment and in Asian patients (higher plasma levels); not for active liver disease.
Safety
- Contraindications: Active liver disease, pregnancy, lactation.
- Black box warning: None.
- Interactions: Cyclosporine, gemfibrozil increase levels; antacids reduce absorption (separate by 2 hours); warfarin (raises INR); red yeast rice.
- Pregnancy / lactation: Contraindicated.
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Myalgia, headache, abdominal pain.
- Serious effects to report: Rhabdomyolysis, hepatotoxicity, proteinuria.
- Antidote / reversal: None.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Lipid panel, LFTs, renal function, ethnicity, pregnancy status.
- Interventions during therapy: Separate from antacids; monitor for muscle symptoms.
- Monitor: Lipids, LFTs, CK if symptomatic, urinalysis for proteinuria at higher doses.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: LDL at goal without adverse effects.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Lifelong therapy with lifestyle changes.
- Notify provider if: Muscle pain, dark urine, jaundice, pregnancy.
- Administration tips: Any time daily; take antacids 2 hours apart.