StatinsStatinA drug class that inhibits the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, lowering cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
Atorvastatin vs Rosuvastatin
The table compares the compounds’ key data from their entry pages. Open each compound’s full entry for details. Educational content, not medical advice.
 Atorvastatin |  Rosuvastatin | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The most prescribed high-intensity statin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. AHA/ACC and ESC lipid guideline anchor since 1996. Gold standard for primary and secondary ASCVD prevention. | Hydrophilic high-intensity statin (AstraZeneca Crestor). JUPITER trial established primary ASCVD prevention even at elevated CRP. Few CYP interactions. |
| ATC codeATC codeThe WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical code that classifies drugs by organ system and mechanism. | C10AA05 | C10AA07 |
| Prescription | Prescription only (Rx) | Prescription only (Rx) |
| MechanismMechanism of actionThe molecular pathway by which a compound acts in the body (e.g. which receptor or enzyme it binds). | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (hydrophilic statin) |
| Half-lifeHalf-lifeThe time for the compound’s plasma concentration to fall by half; indicates how fast it clears and how often it is dosed. | 14 h (active metabolites 20-30 h) | 19 h (once-daily, any time) |
| LDL reduction | 50-60% (high-intensity, 40-80 mg) | 50-55% (high-intensity, 20-40 mg) |
| Full entry | Open → | Open → |
What it is
AtorvastatinThe most prescribed high-intensity statin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. AHA/ACC and ESC lipid guideline anchor since 1996. Gold standard for primary and secondary ASCVD prevention.
RosuvastatinHydrophilic high-intensity statin (AstraZeneca Crestor). JUPITER trial established primary ASCVD prevention even at elevated CRP. Few CYP interactions.
ATC codeATC codeThe WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical code that classifies drugs by organ system and mechanism.
AtorvastatinC10AA05
RosuvastatinC10AA07
Prescription
AtorvastatinPrescription only (Rx)
RosuvastatinPrescription only (Rx)
MechanismMechanism of actionThe molecular pathway by which a compound acts in the body (e.g. which receptor or enzyme it binds).
AtorvastatinHMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
RosuvastatinHMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (hydrophilic statin)
Half-lifeHalf-lifeThe time for the compound’s plasma concentration to fall by half; indicates how fast it clears and how often it is dosed.
Atorvastatin14 h (active metabolites 20-30 h)
Rosuvastatin19 h (once-daily, any time)
LDL reduction
Atorvastatin50-60% (high-intensity, 40-80 mg)
Rosuvastatin50-55% (high-intensity, 20-40 mg)
Full entry