Table 3.

Pharmacokinetic data for HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor	Simvastatin	Pravastatin	Atorvastatin
Prodrug	Yes	No	No
Hepatic extraction (% absorbed dose)	78–87	66	>70
Active metabolites	Yes	No	Yes

Source: Adapted from Igel M, Sudhop T, von Bergmann K. 2002. Pharmacology of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins), including rosuvastatin and pitavastatin. J Clin Pharmacol, 42:835–45. Reproduced with permission from Sage Publications.