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General Medication Fact Sheet for Pravastatin
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Pravastatin |
| Brand Name Versions | Pravachol |
| Purpose | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily, typically in the evening |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue |
| Serious Side Effects | Muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis), liver problems, increased blood sugar (diabetes) |
| Drug Interactions | Other cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g., fibrates, niacin), certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), colchicine |
| Important Notes | Avoid grapefruit juice as it can increase the risk of side effects; report any unexplained muscle pain or weakness to your doctor |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Lovastatin |
Pravastatin Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atorvastatin (Lipitor) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor | Potent statin with a longer half-life. |
| Simvastatin (Zocor) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor | Commonly prescribed statin. |
| Rosuvastatin (Crestor) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor | Potent statin, may be more effective at lowering LDL cholesterol. |
| Lovastatin (Mevacor) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor | Older statin, may have more drug interactions. |
Pravastatin Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Headache | Muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) |
| Muscle pain | Liver problems |
| Nausea | Increased blood sugar (diabetes) |
| Fatigue | Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
Pravastatin Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia) | 40 mg | 10-80 mg daily | Take once daily, typically in the evening. |
| Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease | 40 mg | 40-80 mg daily | Take once daily, typically in the evening. |
Pravastatin Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $35 |
| From CPS | $8 |
