Pravastatin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Pravastatin?

What is Pravastatin for?

Pravastatin is a drug that is used with the diet to lower cholesterol and bad fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and increase good cholesterol in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs called "statins". The way it works is by reducing the amount of cholesterol the liver produces. Lowering bad cholesterol and triglycerides and increasing the amount of good cholesterol will lower the risk of heart disease as well as help prevent strokes and heart attacks.

Apart from having a good diet (such as a low cholesterol and low fat diet), several lifestyle changes can also help this drug work better, including by exercising, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking. Talk to your doctor for details.

How is Pravastatin used?

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. For better results, take this medicine at night.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you are taking. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you are currently using (including prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products).

If you are also taking other drugs to lower cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take pravastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking that medicine. These products can react with pravastatin, preventing it from being completely absorbed.

Take this medicine regularly to get optimal benefits. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time each day.

It is important to continue taking this medicine even if you feel better. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides don't feel sick.

It is important to follow doctor's recommendations regarding diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks for you to feel the benefits of this medicine.

How is Pravastatin stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Pravastatin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Pravastatin dosage for adults?

Adult Dose for Hyperlipidemia

Initial dose: 40 mg once a day.

Furthermore: 40 - 80 mg once a day.

Adult Dose for Myocardial Infarction - Prophylaxis

Initial dose: 40 mg once a day.

Furthermore: 40 - 80 mg once a day.

Adult Dose for Revascularization Procedures - Prophylaxis

Initial dose: 40 mg once a day.

Furthermore: 40 - 80 mg once a day.

Adult Dose for Ischemic Stroke - Prophylaxis

Initial dose: 40 mg once a day.

Furthermore: 40 - 80 mg once a day.

What is the Pravastatin dosage for children?

Child dosage for Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

8-13 years: 20 mg orally once a day

14-18 years: 40 mg orally once a day

In what dosage is Pravastatin available?

Tablets: 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg; 80 mg

Pravastatin side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Pravastatin?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using pravastatin and call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• unexplained muscle pain, weakness;
• confusion, memory problems;
• fever, unusual fatigue and dark urine;
• chest pain;
• thirst, frequent urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss;
• swelling, weight gain, urinating infrequently or not at all; or
• nausea, upper abdominal pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-like stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Less serious side effects include:

• headache;
• mild muscle pain;
• diarrhea;
• mild skin rash; or
• dizzy.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Pravastatin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Pravastatin?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Research conducted to date has not shown any problems that can hinder the effectiveness of this drug in children aged 8-18 years. However, the safety and efficacy of this drug in children less than 8 years of age have not been established.

Girls taking pravastatin should be advised about contraceptives to prevent pregnancy.

Elderly

Research conducted to date has not shown any problems specific to the elderly that can hinder the effectiveness of pravastatin in elderly patients. However, older people usually have age-related muscle problems, so use caution when taking pravastatin.

Is Pravastatin safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Breastfeeding

There are not sufficient studies in women to find out the risk to the baby when the mother takes this drug during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and potential risks before taking this medication during breastfeeding.

Pravastatin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Pravastatin?

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Bezafibrate
• Ciprofibrate
• Clofibrate
• Colchicine
• Colesevelam
• Cyclosporine
• Daclatasvir
• Dalfopristin
• Daptomycin
• Erlotinib
• Fenofibrate
• Fenofibric Acid
• Fusidic Acid
• Gemfibrozil
• Quinupristin
• Teriflunomide
• Topotecan

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Amprenavir
• Boceprevir
• Clarithromycin
• Darunavir
• Efavirenz
• Eltrombopag
• Nefazodone
• Nelfinavir
• Oat Bran
• Pectin

Can food or alcohol interact with Pravastatin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Pravastatin?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• History of alcohol abuse, or
• History of liver disease - Use with caution. May worsen side effects.
• Seizures that are not well controlled, or
• Severe electrolyte abnormalities, or
• Severe endocrine disorders, or
• Hypertension (low blood pressure), or
• Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism (underactive thyroid), or
• Severe kidney disease, or
• Just had major surgery, or
• Recently experienced severe trauma, or
• A severe metabolic disorder, or
• Sepsis (infection of the blood) - Patients with this condition are at risk for muscle and kidney problems.
• Active liver disease, or
• High levels of liver enzymes - Do not use in patients with this condition

Pravastatin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.