Pravachol

Common Name: pravastatin

How does Pravachol work?

Pravastatin belongs to the family of medications known as cholesterol lowering drugs. It is used in addition to diet and exercise to lower high cholesterol levels. Pravastatin works by blocking an enzyme that is needed to make cholesterol in the liver. Therefore, less cholesterol is made and levels of cholesterol in the blood decrease. Lowering cholesterol levels in the blood has been shown to reduce the risks associated with heart disease such as heart attack.

How should I use Pravachol?

Before starting pravastatin, you should be placed on a cholesterol-lowering diet. If appropriate, a program of weight control and physical exercise should be implemented. The recommended dose of pravastatin ranges from 10 mg to 40 mg daily taken with or without food in a single dose at bedtime. The medication usually takes about 4 weeks to have a positive effect on the cholesterol in your blood. After this time, the doctor should send you for a lab test to check for changes in your cholesterol levels. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. For best results in lowering your cholesterol, it is very important that you follow closely the diet suggested by your doctor. It is also very important that this medication be taken regularly, exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medicine take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never double up on doses.

What form(s) does Pravachol come in?

Pravachol® is available in tablet form in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. 10 mg: Each pink-to-peach, rounded, rectangular-shaped tablet, with a "P" embossed on one side and "PRAVACHOL 10" engraved on the other, contains pravastatin sodium 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and red ferric oxide. 20 mg: Each yellow, rounded, rectangular-shaped tablet, with a "P" embossed on one side and "PRAVACHOL 20" engraved on the other, contains pravastatin sodium 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and yellow ferric oxide. 40 mg: Each green, rounded, rectangular-shaped tablet, with a "P" embossed on one side and "PRAVACHOL 40" engraved on the other, contains pravastatin sodium 40 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, lactose, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and povidone.

What should I NOT take with Pravachol?

This medication should not be taken by anyone who: is allergic to any ingredient of this tablet has active liver disease or unexplained increases in liver function tests is pregnant is breast-feeding

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Pravachol?

Alcohol: Pravastatin should be used with caution by people who drink large quantities of alcohol. Liver effects: Laboratory signs of harmful effects to the liver occur in about 0.5% of adults who take pravastatin for extended periods. When the drug is stopped, the laboratory tests usually slowly return to normal. It is important to have regular laboratory tests done. Check with your doctor. Liver disease: Pravastatin should be used with caution by people who have a past history of liver disease. Muscle pain or weakness: Muscle pain and muscle cramps have infrequently been associated with pravastatin therapy. Muscle weakness is infrequently reported with this drug. You should report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor as this could be a sign of an undesirable reaction with the drug. Pregnancy: Pravastatin should not be taken by pregnant women. If you discover you are pregnant while taking this drug, stop taking the medication immediately and call your doctor as soon as possible. Breast-feeding: A small amount of pravastatin is excreted in breast milk. This drug should not be taken by women who are breastfeeding. A decision should be made to stop nursing or to stop taking the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Children: There is limited experience with the use of this drug by children. Its safety and effectiveness for children have not been established.