Pravastatin – what it is, what it is for and side effects!

Pravastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or “statins.” It reduces levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood , while increasing levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).

Pravastatin is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood . it is also used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with or without coronary heart disease or other risk factors. Pravastatin is used in adults and children at least 8 years of age.

How to take pravastatin:

Take pravastatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to ensure you get the best results. Do not use this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Pravastatin is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Doses are based on age and are lower in children and adolescents. People who take this medication during childhood or adolescence may need a different dose as adults.

You may need to stop using pravastatin for a short time if you have:

• Uncontrolled seizures ;
• electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium in the blood );
• Severely low blood pressure;
• A serious infection or illness;
• Surgery or a medical emergency.

When using this medication, you may need  frequent blood tests. Pravastatin is just part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise and weight management. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Important information about pravastatin:

You should not take pravastatin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you suffer from liver disease . Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant. Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medications are used in conjunction with pravastatin . Tell each of your healthcare professionals about all the medications you use now and any medications you start or stop using.

In rare cases, pravastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever, unusual tiredness, and dark-colored urine.

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol . Also, it won’t be as effective in lowering cholesterol if you don’t follow a cholesterol – lowering diet plan . Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase triglyceride levels and increase the risk of liver damage .

Precautions before taking pravastatin:

You should not use pravastatin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• Liver disease;
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• Kidney disease;
• Abnormal liver function tests;
• Thyroid disorder ;
• If you drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day.

Pravastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people with kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (  underactive thyroid ).

Pravastatin  can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication.

Also, this medicine can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while using this medicine. This medication is not approved for use by people under 8 years of age.

Pravastatin dosage:

Usual adult dose for hyperlipidemia:

• Initial dose: 40 mg once daily;
• Maintenance dose: 40 to 80 mg once daily.

Usual adult dose for myocardial infarction – prophylaxis:

• Initial dose: 40 mg once daily;
• Maintenance dose: 40 to 80 mg once daily.

Usual adult dose for revascularization procedures – prophylaxis:

• Initial dose: 40 mg once daily;
• Maintenance dose : 40 to 80 mg once daily.

Usual ischemic dose for adult use – prophylaxis:

• Initial dose: 40 mg once daily;
• Maintenance dose: 40 to 80 mg once daily.

Usual pediatric dose for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia:

• 8 to 13 years: 20 mg orally once daily
• 14 to 18 years: 40 mg orally once daily

 What happens if I miss a dose of pravastatin?

Take the missed dose of pravastatin  as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What should I avoid while taking pravastatin?

If you also take cholestyramine or colestipol, avoid taking them within 1 hour after or 4 hours before taking pravastatin . Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol . Pravastatin will not be as effective in lowering cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol – lowering diet plan .

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase triglyceride levels and increase the risk of liver damage . Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with pravastatin and cause potentially dangerous effects.

Pravastatin side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to pravastatin : hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. In rare cases, pravastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Stop using and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness;
• Fever, unusual tiredness;
• Dark colored urine;
• chest pain ;
• Upper stomach pain, loss of appetite ; or
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
• Common pravastatin side effects can include:
• Muscle or joint pain;
• Nausea , vomiting,  diarrhea ;
• Headache;
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

Can you take other medicines along with pravastatin?

Using other medicines along with  pravastatin  can increase your risk of serious muscle problems. It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you use and those you start or stop using during treatment, especially:

• Colchicine;
• Cyclosporine;
• An antibiotic such as azithromycin, clarithromycin or erythromycin;
• Gemfibrozil, fenofibric acid, fenofibrate;
• Medications that contain niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin and others).

what is pravastatin for

Other information:

Remember to keep pravastatin and all other medications out of the reach of children, never share your medications with others and use only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.