Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Daily Versus Alternate Day Dosing of Rosuvastatin in Dyslipidemic Patients: A Prospective, Randomized, Open Label Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66328/ijprmh.2025.010103Keywords:
Dyslipidemia, Rosuvastatin, Statins, Alternate-day dosing, Cardiovascular risk in IndiaAbstract
Background: Dyslipidemia is a major modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and statins remain the cornerstone of therapy. Rosuvastatin is highly potent, but concerns regarding adverse effects and adherence have prompted evaluation of alternate dosing strategies.
Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of daily versus alternate-day dosing of rosuvastatin in dyslipidemic patients.
Methods: In this prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study, 90 patients with dyslipidemia were randomized into three groups: Group A (rosuvastatin 10 mg daily), Group B (rosuvastatin 10 mg administered alternately), and Group C (rosuvastatin 20 mg administered alternately). Patients were followed for 12 weeks with serial evaluation of lipid profile, glycemic parameters, and adverse events.
Results: All regimens significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides (p < 0.001), with no statistically significant differences between groups. LDL-C reduction approached 42% across all arms. HDL-C showed a modest, non-significant increase. HbA1c rose slightly but remained clinically insignificant; fasting blood sugar did not change meaningfully. Adverse events, mainly myalgia and headache, were more frequent with daily dosing, while alternate-day regimens were better tolerated. No serious adverse events occurred.
Conclusion: Alternate-day dosing of rosuvastatin provides lipid-lowering efficacy comparable to daily dosing, with fewer adverse events and potential cost savings. This regimen offers a safe and effective alternative for long-term dyslipidemia management in Indian patients. Larger and longer-term studies are needed to validate cardiovascular outcome benefits.
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