Lipitor vs Crestor: side-by-side comparison
Lipitor (Atorvastatin) and Crestor (Rosuvastatin) both belong to the Cardiovascular Medications class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Lipitor | Crestor |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Atorvastatin | Rosuvastatin |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer | AstraZeneca |
| Class | Cardiovascular Medications | Cardiovascular Medications |
| Strengths | 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Lipitor and Crestor both belong to the Cardiovascular Medications class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Atorvastatin vs Rosuvastatin — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Atorvastatin vs Rosuvastatin), strengths (10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg vs 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg), forms (tablet vs tablet), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Lipitor: Atorvastatin competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Crestor: Rosuvastatin competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis.
When Lipitor is preferred
Lipitor is approved in adults for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolaemia and mixed dyslipidaemia, for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients at elevated risk and for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events after acute coronary syndrome, stroke or re…
When Crestor is preferred
Crestor is approved in adults for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolaemia and mixed dyslipidaemia, for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients at elevated risk and for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lipitor or Crestor better? ▾
There is no single answer. Lipitor and Crestor both belong to the Cardiovascular Medications class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Lipitor to Crestor? ▾
Switching within the Cardiovascular Medications class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Lipitor and Crestor have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Cardiovascular Medications class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Lipitor comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.