Rosuvastatin + Ezetimibe

Rosuvastatin, an HMG CoA-reductase inhibitor (statin), and Ezetimibe, a dietary cholesterol absorption inhibitor, combination is indicated in adults:
As an adjunct to diet in patients with primary non-familial hyperlipidemia to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
Alone or as an adjunct to other LDL-C lowering therapies in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) to reduce LDL-C.

Dosage & Administration

The dosage range is 5/10 mg to 40/10 mg orally once a day. The recommended dosage depends on the indication for usage, LDL-C, and individual risk for cardiovascular events.
Patients with severe renal impairment
(not on hemodialysis): Initiate at 5 mg/10 mg once daily; do not exceed 10 mg/10 mg once daily. Patients should swallow tablet whole.
Tablets should not be crushed, dissolved, or chewed. Administer at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after administration of a bile acid sequestrant. Administer at least 2 hours before administration of an aluminium and magnesium hydroxide combination antacid.
Pediatric Use
: Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use
: No dosage adjustment is necessary.

Common side efects are headache, nausea, myalgia, arthralgia, dizziness, asthenia, constipation, abdominal pain, respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, sinusitis, pain in extremity, fatigue, infuenza and back pain.

Rosuvastatin
: Rosuvastatin lowers plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase and cholesterol synthesis in the liver and by increasing the number of hepatic LDL receptors on the cell-surface to enhance uptake and catabolism of LDL; Rosuvastatin reduces LDL production and the number of LDL particles.
Ezetimibe
: Ezetimibe reduces blood cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol by the small intestine. The molecular target of ezetimibe has been shown to be the sterol transporter, which is involved in the intestinal uptake of cholesterol and phytosterols.