Pravachol ( pravastatin ) sodium

Pravastatin is the generic form of the brand-name drug Pravachol, which is used to lower cholesterol levels.
Pravastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol, which is called low-density lipoprotein or LDL.
It also raises levels of "good" cholesterol, which is called high-density lipoprotein or HDL, and it lowers levels of harmful triglycerides in the blood.
Lowing cholesterol and fats in the blood with pravastatin may prevent heart disease, chest pain, strokes, and heart attacks.
Pravastatin is in a group of drugs known as statins, which work by blocking an enzyme that the body needs to make cholesterol. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pravastatin in 2006.

Pravastatin Warnings

Pravastatin should be used along with diet, weight loss, and exercise to reduce cardiovascular risks. The medicine is only one part of a lifestyle treatment plan.
Before taking pravastatin, you should tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• Liver disease
• Low blood pressure
• Seizures
• Muscle aches or weakness
• Thyroid disease
• Kidney disease

Also, tell your physician that you're taking pravastatin before having any type of surgery, including dental procedures.
If you're hospitalized for an injury or infection, be sure to tell the medical personnel you are taking this drug.
Before taking pravastatin, tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol use.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially muscle problems. You should talk to your doctor about these risks if you are over age 65.
You should continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Don't stop taking the drug without talking to your doctor. It may take up to four weeks before you notice the benefits of pravastatin.

Pregnancy and Pravastatin

Taking pravastatin during pregnancy can cause harm to an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about using an effective method of birth control while on this medication.
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, call your doctor right away.
Pravastatin can pass into breast milk, so avoid breastfeeding while taking this drug.

Pravastatin Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Pravastatin

You should call your doctor if any of the following side effects are severe or don't go away:

• Headache
• Heartburn
• Confusion
• Memory loss or forgetfulness

Serious Side Effects of Pravastatin

You should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
• Fever
• Lack of energy
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Nausea
• Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Dark-colored urine
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Loss of appetite
• Flu-like symptoms
• Hives, itching, or rash
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Hoarseness
• Swelling of the throat, face, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Pravastatin Interactions

You should tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially:

• Antacids
• Antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan) and ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Boceprevir (Victrelis)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
• Colchicine (Colcrys)
• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Taztia, Tiazac)
• Erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin)
• Other cholesterol-lowering medications such as fenofibrate (Tricor), gemfibrozil (Lopid), and niacin (nicotinic acid, Niacor, Niaspan)
• Ritonavir (Norvir) taken with darunavir (Prezista)
• Spironolactone (Aldactone)
• Verapamil (Calan, Covera, Verelan)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Cholestyramine (Questran)
• Colestipol (Colestid)
• Products that contain red yeast rice

Pravastatin and Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the risk of liver problems while taking pravastatin. You should talk to your doctor about this potential effect.

Pravastatin Dosage

Pravastatin comes in an oral tablet. It's typically taken once a day, with or without food. Your dose will be based on your condition, age, and other medication you might be taking.
The typical recommended starting dose of pravastatin for adults is 40 milligrams (mg) a day. Some patients may take 80 mg a day. In children, the typical dose is 20 mg a day.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of pravastatin and gradually increase it.
You should try to take pravastatin at the same time every day.
Don't take more or less of this medication than prescribed by your physician.

Missed Dose of Pravastatin

If you miss a dose of pravastatin, take it as soon as your remember.
However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule. Don't double up on doses to make up for a missed one.