if the dose of a statin is doubled then there is an approximate 6% increase in LDL lowering efficacy by doubling the dose - the so-called 6 percent rule
for example
rosuvastatin statin 5mg produces an approximate LDL reduction of 40% - if the dose of rosuvastin is doubled to 10mg then there is an approximate 46% LDL reduction expected with this dose of rosuvastatin
pravastatin 20mg produces an approximate LDL reduction of 24% - if the dose of pravastatin is doubled to 40mg then there is an approximate 30% LDL reduction expected with this dose of pravastatin
the "6 percent rule" holds approximately for all statins (1,2)
Reference:
J Am Coll Cardiol. 2003;42(2):398-399
Personal opinion - Jim McMorran (29/3/13). GP with Specialist Interest in Diabetes and Lipids (Coventry PCT) and Editor GPnotebook.
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