Why is Pravachol prescribed?

Pravastatin (Pravachol) is prescribed alone or in combination with other medications and a proper, healthy diet to reduce elevated cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood caused by a poor eating lifestyle.

What does it do?

Pravastatin is classified as a Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA) inhibitor. It is an anti-lipid agent that primarily works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA to be converted to Mevalonate which is responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol; thus, reducing the formation of unnecessary fats in the blood.

How should I take it?

Pravachol and its generic equivalents are available 10mg, 20mg, 40mg and 80mg tablets. It is intended for oral administration as a whole, not to be crushed or chewed, and should be taken with or without food as directed by the doctor.

The dosage strength depends on every patient’s condition and the doctor’s prescription. It is strictly advised that you do not self-medicate and only take this drug after consulting with your doctor or pharmacist to determine the best dosage and dosing schedule for the treatment of your condition.

What if I missed a dose?

Taking the dose properly at the scheduled time is needed to attain the desired effect of the drug. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and catch the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses just to make up for your missed dose.

What are the special precautions before using Pravachol?

Before taking Pravastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to food or to the drug itself as it may contain several inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or problems.

Inform your doctor about your past and current medical history, especially if you have or have had kidney disease, liver disease, congestive heart failure, electrolyte imbalance and elevation of creatinine phosphokinase.

Avoid drinking alcohol as this may cause dizziness or drowsiness and can add to the effects of Pravastatin.

Consult your doctor regarding all the other medications you use before getting a surgery.

Note: The use of Pravastatin may cause an elevation of creatinine phosphokinase and other transaminase levels. Frequent laboratory testing is recommended.

For the drug label information of Pravastatin, click here.

Does it have any side effects?

It is important to note that all drugs have corresponding side effects and adverse reactions. Additional information may be obtained when you ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects include:
• Abdominal pain
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Increased liver function test
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Thyroid function abnormalities
• Weight gain
• Vomiting

Serious side effects include:
• Alopecia
• Arthralgia
• Decreased libido
• Dryness of mucus
• Dyspnea
• Gynecomastia
• Interstitial lung disease
• Leukopenia
• Myalgia
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Steven-Johnson syndrome
• Thrombocytopenia
• Tremors
• Urticaria

Is it safe to use it with another drug?

Some drug interactions may cause life-threatening reactions when taken with other medications. Immediately inform your doctor if you are taking Pravachol with any of the following medications:

• Acarbose
• Aciphex
• Amaryl
• Aminophylline
• Ampicillin
• Atorvastatin
• Azithromycin
• Chloramphenicol
• Cholestyramine
• Colchicine
• Colcrys
• Colestipol
• Cordarone
• Coumadin
• Crestor
• Cyclosporine
• Fenoflex
• Inderal
• Lescol
• Lipitor
• Lopid
• Metaglip
• Octacosanol
• Piracetam
• Prednisone
• Propofol
• Propylthiouracil
• Pyrantel
• Rifampin
• Rosiglitazone
• Zebeta
• Zocor

If you are using any prescription, non-prescription and herbal medications, inform your doctor and pharmacist for proper information and ask for other possible interactions not listed within this section.

How should I store it?

Store Pravachol in room temperature(25°C) in a clean environment away from light and moisture. Do not refrigerate. Keep away from children. Do not remove the desiccant in the original container. Throw away if unused or expired. Do not flush in the toilet. Consult the pharmacist for proper disposal.

What action should I take in case of overdose?

If you suspect an overdose, immediately call an ambulance and seek immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.

Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There are only limited studies and data regarding the safety of Pravastatin to determine drug-associated risks of major maternal defects, miscarriages and fetal outcomes. However, as per US FDA, Lovastatin is categorized as pregnancy category X which states that risk outweighs its potential benefit and it is not highly recommended for childbearing women.

The presence of Pravastatin in human milk is still unknown. Consult your doctor first before breastfeeding.

The use of Lovastatin in pregnant and breastfeeding women should be avoided to prevent possible harm to pregnant women or their babies.

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