What is Ezallor for? A Comprehensive Guide to Ezallor Sprinkle

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

First approved in 2018, Ezallor Sprinkle is a medication for adults used to manage lipid disorders. The medication's active ingredient is rosuvastatin, and its unique sprinkle-based design was specifically created to assist patients with swallowing difficulties, such as those in long-term care facilities.

Quick Summary

Ezallor Sprinkle, a discontinued brand of rosuvastatin, was a statin medication designed to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides while raising good cholesterol in adults with specific lipid disorders. Its unique sprinkle formulation aided those with difficulty swallowing.

Key Points

Discontinued Brand: Ezallor Sprinkle is a discontinued brand name, but its active ingredient, rosuvastatin, is still widely available generically and under other brand names like Crestor.
Active Ingredient: The active component, rosuvastatin, belongs to the statin class of drugs and functions by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol production in the liver.
Primary Uses: Ezallor was primarily indicated for adults with high cholesterol, including hypertriglyceridemia, primary dysbetalipoproteinemia, and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
Sprinkle Formulation: The unique sprinkle-filled capsule design was created to facilitate administration for patients with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
Key Side Effects: Common side effects include headache and muscle pain, while serious risks like myopathy and liver problems are possible.
Cardiovascular Benefits: By lowering LDL and triglycerides while raising HDL, Ezallor (rosuvastatin) helps reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Understanding Ezallor and Its Active Ingredient, Rosuvastatin

Ezallor Sprinkle was a brand-name medication that has since been discontinued in the U.S.; however, its active ingredient, rosuvastatin calcium, remains widely available in both generic and other brand formulations, such as Crestor. As an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, Ezallor belonged to a class of drugs commonly known as statins. The medication was designed to be used in conjunction with a proper diet to manage high cholesterol and related conditions.

Rosuvastatin works by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. This mechanism effectively lowers the levels of "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, while simultaneously increasing the levels of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. By managing these lipid levels, rosuvastatin helps to slow the progression of atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque in blood vessels—which can lead to serious cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.

Therapeutic Indications for Ezallor (Rosuvastatin)

Ezallor was indicated for adult patients with several types of lipid disorders. The specific therapeutic areas included:

Hypertriglyceridemia: Used as an adjunctive therapy to diet for the treatment of adult patients with high levels of triglycerides in the blood.
Primary Dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III Hyperlipoproteinemia): Indicated as an adjunct to diet for adults with this genetic disorder, which affects the body's ability to clear specific types of lipids.
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH): Prescribed to adult patients, either alone or with other lipid-lowering treatments, to reduce elevated levels of LDL-C, total cholesterol, and ApoB.

The medication's benefits in reducing cardiovascular risk were a primary reason for its use, especially in patients with existing heart disease or risk factors.

Special Formulation and Administration

One of the defining features of Ezallor was its unique sprinkle formulation, which addressed a common issue among certain patient populations. The capsules contained extended-release coated granules, designed for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills, such as the elderly or those in long-term care.

Administration instructions for the sprinkle formulation were specific to ensure effectiveness:

Swallowing whole: The capsules could be swallowed whole.
Mixing with food: The capsule could be opened and the entire contents sprinkled onto a teaspoon of soft food like applesauce or chocolate/vanilla pudding. The mixture had to be swallowed immediately and not chewed.
Nasogastric tube administration: The granules could also be administered via a nasogastric tube by mixing the contents with water.

Important Considerations for Ezallor Use

Potential Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated, Ezallor (rosuvastatin) can cause side effects ranging from common to rare but serious.

Common side effects include:

Headache
Muscle pain (myalgia)
Nausea and abdominal pain
Weakness (asthenia)
Constipation

Serious side effects are less common but require immediate medical attention:

Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: This is a muscle condition characterized by unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, potentially leading to kidney damage. Risk factors include higher doses, age over 65, kidney impairment, and specific drug interactions.
Liver Problems: Symptoms like unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes) can indicate hepatic dysfunction.
Increased Blood Sugar: Like other statins, rosuvastatin can cause a small increase in HbA1c and fasting blood glucose, which may increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Contraindications and Warnings

Ezallor is not suitable for everyone. The primary contraindications include:

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Statins are contraindicated in pregnant women as they can cause fetal harm. Rosuvastatin can also pass into breast milk, posing a risk to nursing infants.
Active Liver Disease: Ezallor is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in liver transaminase levels.
Hypersensitivity: Patients with a known allergy to rosuvastatin or any of the product's excipients should not use it.

Comparison with Other Statins

Ezallor, essentially a unique formulation of rosuvastatin, is part of a larger class of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins. When comparing rosuvastatin to another commonly prescribed statin, atorvastatin, several differences become apparent.


Feature	Rosuvastatin (e.g., Ezallor)	Atorvastatin (e.g., Lipitor)
Potency	Considered a moderate-to-high intensity statin, particularly at higher doses.	Considered a high-intensity statin at higher doses.
Active Ingredient	Rosuvastatin calcium.	Atorvastatin calcium.
Administration	Taken once daily, with or without food. Can be swallowed whole or sprinkled on soft food (Ezallor formulation).	Taken once daily, with or without food. Tablets only (not sprinkle).
Formulation	Was available as a sprinkle capsule for patients with dysphagia.	Available as a tablet only.
Side Effect Profile	May cause muscle pain, joint pain, and headache. Higher reported incidence of muscle pain compared to some other statins.	Common side effects can include stomach upset and headache.
Dietary Interactions	No known food interactions. Safe to drink grapefruit juice with rosuvastatin.	Avoid grapefruit juice, as it can increase the concentration of atorvastatin in the body.

Conclusion

Ezallor Sprinkle was a brand of rosuvastatin, a powerful statin medication used as an adjunct to diet for treating various forms of high cholesterol and related lipid disorders in adults. While the brand name Ezallor has been discontinued in the U.S., the generic version of rosuvastatin remains a crucial therapeutic option. Its unique sprinkle formulation, which was particularly beneficial for patients with swallowing difficulties, was its distinguishing feature. Like all medications, it required careful consideration of its side effects, contraindications, and potential drug interactions, but for many patients, it was an effective tool in managing cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider to discuss the appropriate course of treatment for their condition.

For more information on rosuvastatin, visit the MedlinePlus drug information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the brand name Ezallor has been discontinued in the United States. However, its active ingredient, rosuvastatin, is still available in other forms, including generic tablets and the brand name Crestor.

The sprinkle formulation was designed for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills, known as dysphagia. It allowed for the medication to be mixed with a soft food, such as applesauce, or administered via a nasogastric tube.

For patients who could not swallow the capsule whole, they could open it and sprinkle the entire contents onto a teaspoon of soft food like applesauce or pudding. The mixture needed to be consumed immediately without chewing, and should not be saved for later.

Common side effects include headache, muscle pain, abdominal pain, weakness, and nausea. If you experience persistent or unexplained side effects, you should consult your doctor.

No, Ezallor (rosuvastatin) is contraindicated during pregnancy because it may cause fetal harm. It also passes into breast milk, and therefore should not be taken by breastfeeding women due to the potential for serious adverse effects in infants.

Yes, several drugs can interact with rosuvastatin, potentially increasing the risk of serious muscle problems. This includes cyclosporine, certain antiviral medications (e.g., HIV or Hepatitis C treatments), and gemfibrozil. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

The key difference is the formulation. Ezallor was a sprinkle-filled capsule, whereas Crestor is a traditional tablet. Both contain the same active ingredient, rosuvastatin, and are used for the same indications.