{"id":632587,"date":"2025-06-23T13:49:23","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T17:49:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632587"},"modified":"2025-06-23T13:49:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T17:49:23","slug":"pravastatin-vs-rosuvastatin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pravastatin-vs-rosuvastatin\/","title":{"rendered":"Pravastatin vs. rosuvastatin comparison"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pravastatin<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>rosuvastatin<\/span><\/a> are generic medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help lower <\/span>high cholesterol<\/span><\/a>. They are classified in a group of medicines called <\/span>HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, more commonly referred to as <\/span>statins<\/span><\/a>, because their active ingredients end in -statin. Other statins include Lipitor (<\/span>atorvastatin<\/span><\/a>), <\/span>Lescol XL<\/span><\/a> (fluvastatin), <\/span>Livalo<\/span><\/a> (pitavastatin), <\/span>lovastatin<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Zocor<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>simvastatin<\/span><\/a>). Statins work by blocking the action of an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which in turn helps lower <\/span>cholesterol levels<\/span><\/a>. Statin therapy is typically the first choice of medication when treating high cholesterol.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While <\/span>p<\/span>ravastatin<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>rosuvastatin<\/span><\/a> are both part of the statin group of drugs, they are not exactly the same. They have many similarities, as well as some differences, such as in their FDA-approved uses, dosages, and drug interactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pravastatin vs. rosuvastatin: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pravastatin and rosuvastatin are both generic <\/span>statins<\/span>. The brand name for pravastatin is Pravachol, but the brand-name version is no longer marketed in the United States. The brand name of rosuvastatin is <\/span>Crestor<\/span><\/a>, which is still available. Pravastatin and rosuvastatin are typically taken once daily at any time of day, and can be taken with or without food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare pravastatin and rosuvastatin key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nPravastatin<\/b><\/td>\nRosuvastatin<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nHMG-CoA reductase inhibitor; statin<\/span><\/td>\nHMG-CoA reductase inhibitor; statin<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nGeneric\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneric\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the brand name?<\/b><\/td>\nPravachol (brand-name drug discontinued in the U.S.)<\/span><\/td>\nCrestor<\/span><\/a> (brand-name drug is available in the U.S.)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablet: 10, 20, 40, 80 mg<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablet: 5, 10, 20, 40 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nAdult dosage<\/span><\/a>: Starts at 40 to 80 mg by mouth once daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage for pediatric patients ages 8\u201313 years: 20 mg by mouth once daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage for pediatric patients ages 14\u2013 18 years: 40 mg by mouth once daily<\/span><\/td>\n

Adult dosage<\/span><\/a>: 5 to 40 mg by mouth once daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Pediatric dosage: Varies by age and diagnosis<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nLong-term\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and pediatric patients 8 years and older<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and pediatric patients 7 years and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Pravastatin vs. rosuvastatin: Conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n

While both drugs are <\/span>used to lower cholesterol<\/span><\/a>, they have some slight differences, which are outlined below. Pravastatin and rosuvastatin will help decrease your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and may also modestly increase your high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol, also known as your \u201cgood\u201d cholesterol). Your prescribing healthcare provider may recommend using the medication along with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare conditions treated by pravastatin and rosuvastatin<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Pravastatin<\/span><\/td>\nRosuvastatin<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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