Side-by-side: atorvastatin calcium compared to rosuvastatin calcium
Summary: Atorvastatin (atorvastatin calcium) is a Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) medication indicated for High LDL cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia). Rosuvastatin (rosuvastatin calcium) is a Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) medication indicated for Primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia. Both belong to the same medicine class — differences are clinical (potency, side effect profile, kinetics).
| Attribute | Atorvastatin | Rosuvastatin |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | atorvastatin calcium | rosuvastatin calcium |
| Medicine class | Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) | Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) |
| Prescription status | Rx only | Rx only |
| Pregnancy category | X | X |
| FDA approved | 1996 | 2003 |
| Half-life | 14 hours (active metabolites ~20–30 hours) | 19 hours (allows once-daily dosing at any time of day) |
| Adult dose (typical) | Starting: 10–20 mg once daily. Usual range: 10–80 mg once daily. High-risk patients: May start at 40–80 mg. Maximum: 80 mg/day. | Low-moderate intensity: 5–10mg once daily; High-intensity: 20–40mg once daily; Max dose: 40mg/day |
| Forms | Tablet | Tablets |
| Common side effects | Muscle pain or aches (myalgia) — 5–10%, Headache, Nausea | Headache, Myalgia (muscle pain), Nausea, abdominal pain |
| Cost tier | — | — |