Pravachol

Pravachol is a prescription drug that is licensed to treat conditions related to heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high triglycerides. It is a type of statin that works by blocking an enzyme that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. Pravachol increases the liver's ability to collect and get rid of LDL cholesterol. At the same time, it can help increase HDL cholesterol and decrease triglycerides. The medicine is suitable for use in both adults and children ages 8 to 18 for the treatment of high cholesterol.

 

What Is Pravachol?

Pravachol® (pravastatin sodium) is a prescription medication used for treating a number of conditions related to heart disease, including high cholesterol and high triglycerides. It is part of a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, which are more popularly known as statins. Pravachol is also available in generic tablets (Pravastatin tablets).
 

Who Makes Pravachol?

It is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb.
 

What Is It Used For?

Pravachol has been licensed for several uses, including:
 
  • Treatment of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia).
  • Treatment of high triglycerides in the blood. Triglycerides are the main storage form of fat in the body.
  • Prevention of heart disease and heart-related problems.
     
It has also been approved for use in children ages 8 to 18 for the treatment of high cholesterol.
 

How Does It Work?

Pravachol is part of a class of drugs called statins.
 It works by blocking a particular enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol. It also:
 

Effects of Pravachol

In previous research studies, people taking Pravachol 20 mg were able to, on average, decrease LDL cholesterol by 32 percent, total cholesterol by 24 percent, and triglycerides by 11 percent. HDL increased by 2 percent. The effects of Pravachol on cholesterol and triglyceride levels were generally greater for the higher doses of the medication.
 

When and How to Take Pravachol

Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
 
  • It can be taken at any time during the day.
     
  • To maintain even levels of Pravachol in your body, make sure it is taken at the same time each day.
     
  • It can be taken with or without food.
     
  • Swallow your dose with a drink of water. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are taking a bile acid sequestrant, make sure to take your Pravachol more than one hour before the bile acid sequestrant or more than four hours after. Bile acid sequestrants include:

 

 

  • Do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
     

Dietary Instructions

There are no dietary restrictions with Pravachol. As with any cholesterol medication, you should continue to eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet as part of your cholesterol-lowering treatment program.
 

Dosing

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As is always the case with any medicine, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Pravachol Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

(The side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
 
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Pravachol. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. If side effects do occur, most people do not need to stop their medicine.
 
The most common side effects of Pravachol include:
 
Other side effects that occur less often include, but are not limited to:
 
Weight gain is not a known side effect of Pravachol (see Pravachol and Weight Gain).
 
Keep in mind that if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or feel ill, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign of a serious, life-threatening muscle problem.
 
(Click Pravachol Side Effects to learn more about the specific side effects of this drug.)
 

Drug Interactions With Pravachol

Pravachol can potentially interact with a number of medications.
 
(Click Pravachol Drug Interactions for more information.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking this medication, you should tell your healthcare provider if you have:
 
Let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant (see Pravachol and Pregnancy)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Will be undergoing a procedure or surgery
  • Drink alcohol frequently.
     
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Pravachol Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Pravachol.)
 

Alternatives to Pravachol

In general, cholesterol treatment begins with lifestyle changes (weight loss, exercise, and a low-cholesterol diet). If lifestyle changes do not lower cholesterol to a desirable level, cholesterol medication, such as Pravachol, may be necessary.
 
The main goal of high cholesterol medication is to lower LDL cholesterol levels enough to reduce your risk for developing problems related to high cholesterol, such as heart disease or a heart attack (see Effects of High Cholesterol). The higher your risk, the lower your LDL goal will be.
 
(Click High Cholesterol Risk to see a list of risk factors that may affect your cholesterol level, as well as a list of ideal LDL cholesterol levels.)
 
Because Pravachol can lower LDL cholesterol (along with lowering total cholesterol and increasing HDL), people can lower their risk for developing problems related to high cholesterol.
 
For most people, Pravachol is quite effective in lowering cholesterol. It is also generally well tolerated. However, Pravachol side effects can occur, and people may wish to consider a substitute for Pravachol. These substitutes could include other statins or other cholesterol medicines.
 
(Click Pravachol Alternatives to learn more about substitutes for Pravachol.)
 

Overdose

If you happen to overdose on Pravachol, seek medical attention immediately.
 

Pravachol Storage Methods

Pravachol should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture.
 
Keep Pravachol and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Pravachol?

If you do not take your Pravachol as scheduled, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the one you forgot and take your next dose instead. Never take a double dose!
 

Strengths

There are several strengths of Pravachol available. These include:
 
  • Pravachol 10 mg
  • Pravachol 20 mg
  • Pravachol 40 mg
  • Pravachol 80 mg.
     

Generic Pravachol

There is a generic version of Pravachol available, known as Pravastatin tablets.
 
(For more information, click Generic Pravachol.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;