What is Pravastatin?

Pravastatin is part of the class of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, also known as "statins."

Pravastatin is taken in conjunction with a diet plan to reduce the levels in the blood of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, also known as LDL) in order to raise amounts of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, also known as HDL) and to reduce the level of triglycerides (a type of fat that is found in the blood).

Pravastatin can also be utilized to reduce the risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, or other heart-related complications for those who have coronary heart disease or other risk factors.

Children and adults who are 8 years old take pravastatin as a medication.

Warnings

Pravastatin is not recommended when you suffer from liver diseases or are nursing or pregnant.

Discuss with your doctor your current medications and all the ones you begin or stop taking. A variety of drugs interact, and certain medications should not be taken together.

Take pravastatin off your list and inform your doctor right away in case you fall pregnant.

Pravastatin may cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which may cause kidney failure. Consult your physician right away when you experience unidentified muscular pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you are also suffering from fatigue, fever, or dark urine.

Beware of eating foods high in cholesterol or fat. The medication won't have the same effect on reducing your cholesterol if you don't adhere to a cholesterol-lowering diet.

Beware of drinking alcohol. It could raise triglyceride levels and increase the chance of sustaining damage to your liver.

Before Taking this Drug

Pravastatin should not be used if you have an allergy to it or:

• You are breastfeeding or pregnant. You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have a liver disease that is active.

To be sure pravastatin is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have ever experienced:

• Kidney disease;
• Abnormal tests for liver function;
• Muscle pain or weakness;
• An thyroid disorder; or
• If you consume more than two drinks of an alcoholic nature each day.

Pravastatin causes an illness that causes the destruction of muscle tissue in the skeletal muscles, which can lead to the kidneys failing. This type of condition is more common in elderly people and those with kidney disease or hypothyroidism that is not properly controlled (underactive thyroid).

Do not take it if you are expecting. This medicine can harm a newborn baby. Make sure you use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Stop taking this medication and inform your doctor at any time if you find yourself pregnant.

How to Take Pravastatin?

Follow the exact dosage of pravastatin as recommended by your physician. Follow all instructions on the prescription label and carefully read the medication guide or instructions sheets. The doctor might alter your dosage.

The medicine should be taken daily at the same time, either with or without eating.

Pravastatin doses depend on age and can be lower for teenagers and children. Patients taking this medication during the adolescent or childhood years may require an additional dose when they become adults.

It is possible to stop taking this medication for a brief period of time in the event of:

• Uncontrolled seizures;
• The imbalance of electrolytes (such as excessive levels of potassium or high or low sodium levels found in your blood);
• Extremely high blood pressure;
• An illness or infection that is severe or
• Surgical procedure or medical emergency.

It can take as long as four weeks before cholesterol levels begin to improve. In addition, you might require frequent blood tests. Even if there are no symptoms, tests can aid your doctor in determining whether this medication is effective. Pravastatin is only one component of a full treatment program that could also comprise exercise, diet, and weight management. Follow the instructions of your physician precisely. Keep the bottle at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light. Close the bottle when not being used.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, avoid your missed dose if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.

What Happens If I Overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What Should be Avoided?

Beware of foods that are high in cholesterol or fat, and pravastatin won't be as effective.

Do not drink alcohol. It could raise triglyceride levels and increase the chance of suffering from liver damage.

Grapefruit could interact with pravastatin and cause unwelcome negative side effects. Do not use grapefruit-related products.

Side Effects of  Pravastatin

See a doctor immediately. If you exhibit symptoms of an allergy reaction to pravastatin, itching, breathing problems, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.

In rare instances, there is a risk that pravastatin may cause an illness that causes the destruction of the skeletal muscle, which can cause kidney failure. Contact your physician immediately in the event of unprovoked muscular pain, tenderness, or weakness. This is especially true when you are also suffering from fatigue, fever, or a dark color of urine.

Contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:

• The weakness of your muscles in your shoulders, hips, neck, back, and hips;
• Difficulty getting your arms up, getting up, or standing; trouble standing or lifting your arms;
• Liver issues include loss of appetite nausea, abdominal discomfort (upper right side) fatigue, tiredness, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

The most common side effects of pravastatin are:

• Joint or muscle pains
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Headache or Symptoms of a cold, like nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and a sore throat.

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with Other Drugs

If you are taking the drugs cholestyramine and colestipol, take the pravastatin dose at least 1 hour prior to or 4 hours after taking the other medication.

Certain medications can increase the risk of serious muscle issues if you use them along with the medication pravastatin. Your doctor might have to modify your treatment if you are taking one of the following medications:

• Cyclosporine;
• Colchicine;
• Clarithromycin, erythromycin, and azithromycin;
• Gemfibrozil, fenofibric acid, fenofibrate, or
• Medications that contain niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin, and many more).

This list isn't complete. Other drugs can interfere with pravastatin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some interactions with drugs are not listed here. are included here.