Statins form a class of drugs that treat elevated cholesterol in patients. These drugs reduce high cholesterol by blocking an enzyme known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A, or HMG-CoA, reductase. This enzyme is involved in the process of cholesterol formation, thereby making it a suitable target for cholesterol reduction.
Lipitor
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved Lipitor (generic name: atorvastatin) in 1996; the drug comes in 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg tablets. The manufacturer recommends starting patients with 10 or 20 mg once daily, although the physician will determine the appropriate dosage for each patient. Lipitor is sold in the U.S. as a brand medication; no generic is available as of Oct. 2010.
Zocor
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zocor (generic name: simvastatin) in 1991; the drug comes in 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg tablets. The manufacturer recommends starting patients with 20 to 40 mg once daily in the evening, although the physician will determine the appropriate dosage for each patient. Zocor is sold in the U.S. as a brand medication and as a generic.
Crestor
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Crestor (generic name: rosuvastatin) in 2003; the drug comes in 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg tablets. The manufacturer recommends starting patients with 5 to 40 mg once daily, although the physician will determine the appropriate dosage for each patient. Crestor is sold in the U.S. as a brand medication; no generic is available as of Oct. 2010.
Pravachol
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Pravachol (generic name: pravastatin) in 1996; the drug comes in 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg tablets. The manufacturer recommends starting patients with 40 mg once daily, although the physician will determine the appropriate dosage for each patient. Pravachol is sold in the U.S. as a brand medication and as a generic.
Mevacor
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Mevacor (generic name: lovastatin) in 1987; the drug comes in 20 and 40 mg tablets. The manufacturer recommends starting patients with 20 mg once daily in the evening, although the physician will determine the appropriate dosage for each patient. Mevacor is sold in the U.S.as a brand medication and as a generic.
