Pravachol
® (
pravastatin sodium) is a prescription medication used for treating or preventing a number of conditions related to
heart disease. Such uses include but are not limited to:
It has also been approved for use in children ages 8 to 18 years old with a certain genetic condition that causes high
cholesterol.
It is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb.
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:
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 on cholesterol and triglyceride levels were generally greater with higher doses of the medication.
When and How to Take Pravachol
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- Pravachol is available in tablet form and is taken by mouth once daily. Unlike some other statin medications, it can be taken at any time during the day.
- To maintain even levels of Pravachol in your body, make sure to take it at the same time each day.
- This medication can be taken with or without food. If it seems to bother your stomach, try taking your dosage with a little food.
- For Pravachol to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
Dietary Instructions
Dosing Information for Pravachol
The dosage of Pravachol 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.
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Pravachol. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medicine well. If 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 taking the medicine.
The most common side effects include:
Rare side effects include but are not limited to:
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, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Pravachol
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Prior to taking Pravachol, you should tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- A history of heart attack or stroke
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Let your healthcare provider know if you:
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Alternatives to Pravachol
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 by taking it.
For most people, Pravachol is quite effective in
lowering cholesterol. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, and people may wish to consider a substitute. These substitutes could include other
statins or other
cholesterol medicines.
What If I Take an Overdose?
If you happen to overdose on Pravachol, seek medical attention immediately. It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose
(see Pravachol Overdose for more information).
How Should Pravachol Be Stored?
Pravachol should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
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. Do not take a double dose.
Pravachol tablets are available in several strengths. These include:
- Pravachol 10 mg
- Pravachol 20 mg
- Pravachol 40 mg
- Pravachol 80 mg.
A generic version of Pravachol is available
(see Generic Pravachol for more information
.)