Crestor vs Zocor
Crestor (rosuvastatin) and Zocor (simvastatin) are both statins, but they differ significantly in potency, drug interactions, and dosing flexibility. Crestor is a high-intensity statin with the most LDL-lowering power per milligram, while Zocor is a moderate-intensity statin with a restricted maximum dose due to muscle injury risk.
What Is Crestor?
Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a high-intensity statin manufactured by AstraZeneca. FDA-approved in 2003, it is the most potent statin per milligram and can lower LDL by up to 50-55% at high doses. Not significantly metabolized by CYP3A4, meaning fewer drug interactions. Available as a generic since 2016.
What Is Zocor?
Zocor (simvastatin) is a moderate-intensity statin manufactured by Merck. FDA-approved in 1991. Lowers LDL by approximately 30-40% at standard doses. Metabolized by CYP3A4, with grapefruit and other drug interactions. The 80mg dose was restricted by the FDA in 2011 due to muscle injury risk.
Direct Comparison
| Feature | Crestor | Zocor |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) |
| Generic name | Rosuvastatin | Simvastatin |
| Intensity | High-intensity | Moderate-intensity |
| LDL reduction (max) | 50–55% | 30–40% |
| Grapefruit interaction | No significant interaction | Yes — significant interaction |
| CYP3A4 metabolism | Minimal | Yes — major pathway |
| FDA 80mg restriction | No | Yes — restricted |
| Half-life | ~19 hours | ~2–3 hours |
| Generic available | Yes (since 2016) | Yes (since 2006) |
| Cost per month | $4–$30 (generic) | $4–$10 (generic) |
What Is Actually Different?
Crestor is significantly more potent than Zocor and can achieve much greater LDL reduction. The key advantage of Crestor over Zocor is the drug interaction profile: Crestor has minimal CYP3A4 metabolism, so grapefruit juice and many medication interactions that affect Zocor do not apply to Crestor. See our Crestor and grapefruit page for details. Additionally, Zocor's 80mg dose is FDA-restricted due to muscle injury risk, while Crestor's 40mg dose remains a safe and effective high-intensity option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crestor stronger than Zocor?
Yes. Crestor can lower LDL by 50-55% at maximum doses, while Zocor achieves 30-40%. Crestor is the most potent statin per milligram.
Does Crestor have fewer interactions than Zocor?
Yes. Crestor has minimal CYP3A4 metabolism, so grapefruit and many drug interactions that affect Zocor do not apply.
Can I switch from Zocor to Crestor?
Yes, switching is common. Your doctor will adjust the dose based on your cholesterol goals.
Is Crestor more expensive than Zocor?
Both are available as generics and are inexpensive. Zocor's generic has been available longer and may be slightly cheaper at some pharmacies.
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