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Pravachol
(pravastatin)-
In this factsheet:
- How does Pravachol work? What will it do for me?
- How should I use Pravachol?
- What form(s) does Pravachol come in?
- Who should NOT take Pravachol?
- What side effects are possible with Pravachol?
- Are there any other precautions or warnings for Pravachol?
- What other drugs could interact with Pravachol?
DIN (Drug Identification Number)
| 00893749 | PRAVACHOL 10MG TABLET |
| 00893757 | PRAVACHOL 20MG TABLET |
| 02222051 | PRAVACHOL 40MG TABLET |
How does Pravachol work? What will it do for me?
Pravastatin belongs to the family of medications known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors ("statins"). 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.
Pravastatin can be used to reduce the risk of death, heart attacks, stroke, and angioplasty for people with heart disease and normal to moderately-high cholesterol. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and death for people with high cholesterol who do not already have heart disease, regardless of whether they have high cholesterol or not.
The medication usually takes about 4 weeks to have a significant effect on the cholesterol level in your blood. After this time, your doctor will likely send you for a lab test to check for changes in your cholesterol levels.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
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 80 mg daily taken with or without food in a single dose at bedtime.
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 you take pravastatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does Pravachol come in?
10 mg
Each pink-to-peach, rounded, rectangular-shaped, biconvex 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, biconvex 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, biconvex 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.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take Pravachol?
Pravastatin should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to pravastatin or to any of the ingredients of this medication
- is pregnant or plans to become pregnant
- is breast-feeding
- has active liver disease or unexplained increases in liver function tests
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