Indications
Pravastatin Sodium is a statin used together with a healthy diet to lower high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides and raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and death from heart disease in people with heart disease or at high risk of it, and to lower cholesterol after an organ transplant.
How It Works
Pravastatin blocks an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase, which the body needs to make cholesterol. With less cholesterol being made, the liver takes more LDL cholesterol out of the blood, lowering blood cholesterol levels and slowing the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries.
Dosage and Administration
Usual adult dose: 10 to 40 mg once daily, usually in the evening, with or without food, or as prescribed. The maximum is 80 mg daily. Lower doses may be used in kidney or liver problems and with some other medicines. Keep following a low-fat diet and exercise plan. Blood cholesterol is checked after a few weeks.
Interactions
- Ciclosporin raises pravastatin levels; the dose is usually limited to 20 mg daily.
- Fibrates such as Gemfibrozil and Fenofibrate, and Niacin, increase the risk of muscle problems.
- Clarithromycin and Erythromycin may raise pravastatin levels.
- Cholestyramine and Colestipol reduce absorption; take pravastatin at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after them.
Contraindications
- Allergy to pravastatin.
- Active liver disease or unexplained, persistently raised liver enzymes.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Common: headache, dizziness, nausea, indigestion, tummy pain, diarrhoea or constipation, rash and muscle aches. Rare but serious: muscle damage (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis), liver problems, and a slight rise in blood sugar.
Get urgent medical help for unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with fever or dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, or swelling of the face or throat.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use during pregnancy; stop the medicine and tell your doctor if you become pregnant. Women who could become pregnant should use reliable contraception. Do not use while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Liver tests may be done before starting.
- Use with care if you drink a lot of alcohol, have kidney disease, an underactive thyroid, or are over 70.
- Report any muscle symptoms promptly.
Overdose
There is limited experience with overdose. Seek medical advice; treatment is supportive.
Therapeutic Class
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin); lipid-lowering agent.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.