Zocor vs Crestor

Many individuals have been continuously plagued by high cholesterol levels. This is caused by several factors, such as lifestyle and environment. Unstabilized fat levels in the blood may lead to serious troubles especially cardiovascular ailments, such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.

Statins, which are a major component of cholesterol-reducing drugs, inhibit the enzymes that are responsible in the production of fat in the liver. Drug names with –statin suffixes are identified under this group, such as Simvastatin and Rosuvastatin.

Two major brands that are patronized for cholesterol reduction efforts are Zocor and Crestor. But what makes the first still different from the latter?

Zocor is one of the commonly known brand names of Simvastatin. The development of this drug dates back from the 1950s to the 1980s from the biosynthesis of cholesterol to the discovery of the reductase inhibitor that can be found on the fungus Aspergillus terreus. Crestor, on the other hand, is the brand name of Rosuvastatin.

The half-life or the time where at least half of Zocor’s effect can be observed is said to be in three hours. Its bioavailability is also estimated to be at 5%. It is excreted mostly through fecal output. Meanwhile, Crestor’s half-life is at a much longer time of 19 hours, yet bioavailability is higher at 20 percent. It is excreted particularly through urine.

Both Zocor and Crestor are used as treatment of high cholesterol and total cholesterol. They are also mutually used for atherosclerosis, a primary contributing factor in the development of most cardiovascular-related ailments. Zocor has been found to reduce the progression of dementia and Parkinson’s disease in aging individuals.

Zocor is available in 5mg to 80mg tablet forms. Meanwhile, Crestor is available in 5mg to 40mg of the same form. Overdosage can be a huge problem for both drugs as they may become toxic and produce minimal therapeutic effects. Zocor is usually advised to be taken once a day before bedtime. On the other hand, Crestor can be taken once and any time of the day with or without food.

It is important for patients to talk to their physician for proper management as drugs and their effects and contraindications may vary on each individual.

Summary:

1.Zocor and Crestor both fall under the statins drug group only that they are manufactured by separate companies

2.Zocor’s half-life and bioavailability is in 3 hours and 5%, respectively, while Crestor is in 19 hours and 20%, correspondingly.

3.Both drugs come in tablet form only that Zocor is available in 5mg to 80mg dosages while Crestor is made in 5mg to 40mg.

4.Zocor is taken before bedtime while Crestor can be taken any time of the day.

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