Rosuvastatin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Precautions
Rosuvastatin is a statin medicine used to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides and raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol. It helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems in people with high cholesterol or increased cardiovascular risk. It is not used to treat an immediate heart attack or sudden chest pain.
Rosuvastatin is a once-daily cholesterol medicine that can help prevent heart attack and stroke. Take it exactly as prescribed, and contact a doctor or pharmacist if you have muscle pain, weakness, or other concerning symptoms.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C10AA07
- Generic
- Rosuvastatin
- Class
- statin
- Brands
- Crestor
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- X
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 19
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- liver-function, lipid-panel, muscle-symptoms
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10-20mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5-10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5-10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
rosuvastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy. Discontinue therapy if pregnancy occurs.
discontinue immediately upon pregnancy confirmation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid use
continue to avoid use throughout entire pregnancy
discontinue therapy
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdo not use
rosuvastatin is excreted in human milk. Do not breastfeed infants receiving rosuvastatin.
ensure infant is not exposed
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
age 10 to 17 yearsstart at 5mg once daily, max 10mg
approved for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in pediatric patients age 10 years and older
monitor growth and development, check liver enzymes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 10 yearsnot recommended
not approved for children under 10 years of age
avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
age 65 years and olderstart at 5mg, do not exceed 20mg
initiate therapy at lowest effective dose. Increased sensitivity to statin-associated adverse effects.
monitor for muscle symptoms and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe ckl less than 30start at 5mg, do not exceed 10mg
use with caution in severe renal impairment. Not recommended for patients with end-stage renal disease.
monitor renal function and for muscle toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate ckl 30 50no initial dose adjustment needed
use standard starting dose with caution
routine monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
active liver diseaseavoid use
contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases
liver function tests before and during therapy
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno specific adjustment
use with caution. Increased risk of myopathy in patients with substantial alcohol consumption.
monitor liver enzymes periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
heavy alcohol useavoid excessive alcohol
limit alcohol consumption. Increased risk of liver toxicity with chronic heavy alcohol use.
regular liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Rosuvastatin
Primary indication
Primary therapeutic uses for Rosuvastatin
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Test
Use caution (1)
Test
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy