Description
Rosuvastatin is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent. It belongs to a class of drugs known as statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). It helps reduce “bad” cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, and increases “good” cholesterol (HDL).
Mechanism of Action: Rosuvastatin selectively and competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme that converts HMG-CoA to mevalonate—a precursor of cholesterol. This leads to:
- Decreased cholesterol synthesis in the liver
- Upregulation of LDL receptors on hepatocytes
- Increased LDL uptake and clearance
Indications: Used as an adjunct to diet for:
- Primary hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
- Mixed dyslipidemia
- Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
- Primary prevention of cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke)
- Atherosclerosis (to slow progression)
