Statins are a class of medications designed to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—often called “bad” cholesterol—by blocking an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) responsible for its production. By lowering cholesterol, these drugs help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
While there are seven primary types of statin molecules, they are often available in different brand-name formulations and combinations. Here are 10 common statin tablets and their profiles.
The most commonly prescribed statin worldwide (and in the UK) due to its high potency and long-lasting effect.
Primary Use: High cholesterol and prevention of cardiovascular disease. It is often the first choice for “high-intensity” therapy.
Dose Range: 10mg to 80mg once daily (can be taken at any time of day).
Side Effects: Joint pain, diarrhoea, and sore throat (nasopharyngitis).
Another “high-intensity” statin, rosuvastatin is particularly effective at lowering LDL cholesterol and slightly raising “good” (HDL) cholesterol.
Primary Use: Severe hypercholesterolaemia and preventing heart disease in high-risk patients.
Dose Range: 5mg to 40mg once daily.
Side Effects: Muscle aches (myalgia), headache, and nausea.
A widely used, cost-effective statin that has been around for decades. It is considered “moderate-intensity.”
Primary Use: Managing cholesterol and reducing risk after a heart attack.
Dose Range: 10mg to 40mg once daily (best taken in the evening).
Side Effects: Upper respiratory infections, constipation, and headache.
A milder, hydrophilic (water-soluble) statin. Because it doesn’t cross into muscle tissue as easily as others, it is often prescribed to patients who experience muscle pain on other statins.
Primary Use: Cholesterol management in patients sensitive to side effects or those on multiple other medications.
Dose Range: 10mg to 80mg once daily (evening).
Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
The first statin ever approved by the FDA. It is naturally derived from red yeast rice.
Primary Use: Routine high cholesterol.
Dose Range: 20mg to 80mg (best taken with the evening meal to improve absorption).
Side Effects: Indigestion, flatus, and muscle cramps.
A “low-to-moderate intensity” statin often used when a patient has liver concerns or specific drug-drug interactions.
Primary Use: Managing high cholesterol and slowing the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.
Dose Range: 20mg to 80mg daily.
Side Effects: Fatigue, insomnia, and stomach pain.
The newest statin on the market. It is highly potent at very low doses and has a unique metabolic pathway that minimises interactions with other drugs.
Primary Use: Patients with high cholesterol who take multiple medications for other conditions (e.g. HIV or transplant meds).
Dose Range: 1mg to 4mg once daily.
Side Effects: Back pain, constipation, and pain in the extremities.
To simplify treatment, statins are frequently combined with other medications into a single tablet.
This combines a statin with a medication that blocks cholesterol absorption in the small intestine.
Primary Use: When a statin alone isn’t enough to reach cholesterol targets.
Dose Range: 10/10mg to 10/80mg.
Side Effects: Tiredness and muscle pain.
A “two-for-one” pill that treats both high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Primary Use: Patients with both hypertension and hyperlipidaemia.
Dose Range: Varies (e.g., 5/10mg up to 10/80mg).
Side Effects: Swelling of the ankles (oedema) and flushing.
Similar to Vytorin, but uses the more potent atorvastatin as the base.
Primary Use: High-intensity cholesterol reduction.
Dose Range: 10/10mg to 10/80mg.
Side Effects: Increased liver enzymes and musculoskeletal pain.
Are you discussing a new prescription with your doctor, or are you looking to switch because of side effects?
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