Pravastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
Pravastatin is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with or without coronary heart disease or other risk factors.
Pravastatin is used in adults and children who are at least 8 years old.
Pravastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Pravastatin (Pravachol) used for?
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa (Elevated LDL)
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb (Elevated LDL + VLDL)
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type III (Elevated beta-VLDL + IDL)
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV (Elevated VLDL)
- Hypertriglyceridemia
- Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
- Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Pravastatin (Pravachol)?
You should not use pravastatin if you are allergic to it, or if:
Do not use if you are pregnant. This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding; or
- you have active liver disease.
- kidney disease;
- abnormal liver function tests;
- muscle pain or weakness;
- a thyroid disorder; or
- if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
Pravastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
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Side Effects
What are the side effects of Pravastatin (Pravachol)?
Get emergency medical help if you have hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. signs of an allergic reaction:
In rare cases, pravastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back;
- trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing; or
- liver problems–loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- muscle or joint pain;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- headache; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Pravastatin (Pravachol) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do not use if you are pregnant. This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Pravastatin (Pravachol)?
Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or pravastatin will not be as effective.
Grapefruit may interact with pravastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Pravastatin (Pravachol)?
Use Pravastatin (Pravachol) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
Pravastatin doses are based on age, and are lower in children and teenagers. People taking this medicine during childhood or adolescence may need a different dose as adults.
It may take up to 4 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve, and you may need frequent blood tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.
Pravastatin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
You may need to stop using pravastatin for a short time if you have:
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
- uncontrolled seizures;
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
- severely low blood pressure;
- a severe infection or illness; or
- surgery or a medical emergency.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. take two doses at one time. Do not
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Pravastatin (Pravachol)?
(800) 222-1222
911
Images
PRAVACHOL 20, LOGO P
Color: yellow
Shape: square
Form: film coated
Imprint: PRAVACHOL 20, LOGO P
PRAVACHOL 40, LOGO P
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Shape: square
Form: film coated
Imprint: PRAVACHOL 40, LOGO P
BMS, 80
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Imprint: BMS, 80