Crest Or

Brand Name: Crestor Generic Name: Rosuvastatin Indications: Adjunct to dietary therapy in the management of primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemias. Reduction of lipids/cholesterol reduces the risk of MI and stroke sequelae (primary prevention and secondary prevention) nd decreases the need for bypass procedures/angioplasty. Drug Classification: Lipid-lowering agents, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors Mechanism of Action: Inhibit an enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which is responsible for catalyzing an early step in the synthesis of cholesterol. Therapeutic effects: Lowering of total and LDL cholesterol; Increase HDL and decrease VDDL cholesterol and triglycerides; Slowing of the progression of coronary artery disease with resultant decrease in MI/stroke and need for myocardial revascularization. Dosage: Adult: 10 mg od initially (range 5-20 mg); dose may be adjusted at 2-4 wk intervals; some patients may require up to 40 mg/day; concurrent cyclosporine therapy – not to exceed 5 mg od; concurrent gemfibrozil therapy – not to exceed 10 mg od. Special Precautions: History of liver disease or significant alcohol use/abuse; patients with Asian ancestry (may have high blood levels); renal impairement, advanced age or hypothyroidism; visual disturbances; myopathy; women of childbearing age; children <8 yr. Pregnancy Risk Category: X Adverse Reactions:

CNS: dizziness, headache, insomia, weakness EENT: rhinitis, Resp: Bronchitis GI: abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, flatus, heartburn, altered taste, drug-induced hepatitis, dyspepsia, elevated liver enzymes, nausea, pancreatitis GU: impotence, Derm: rashes, pruritus MS: Rhabdomyolysis, arthralgia, arthritis, myalgia, myositis Misc: hypersensitivity reactions. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, cross-sensitivity among agents may occur; sepsis, acute hypotension, major surgery, trauma, severe metabolic disturbances, endocrine or electrolyte disorders, uncontrolled seizures; active liver disease; pregnancy or lactation; concurrent use of gemfibrozil or azole antifungals. Forms: Tablets – 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg Nursing Responsibilities:  Obtain a dietary history, especially with regard to fat consumption.  Opthalmic exams are recommended before and yearly during therapy.  If patients develop muscle tenderness during therapy, monitor CPK levels.  May cause thyroid function test abnormalities.  Instruct patient to notify health care professionals if unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness occurs, especially if accompanied by fever or malaise.  Instruct client to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions.