Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Pravastatin
Other Names: Pravachol Tablets, Pravastatin Sodium Tablets
Drug Class: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:
Pronunciation:

What is/are Pravachol? (Back to top)
PRAVASTATIN is known as a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or 'statin'. It lowers the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. This drug may also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other health problems in patients with risk factors for heart disease. Diet and lifestyle changes are often used with this drug. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• frequently drink alcoholic beverages
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• muscle aches or weakness
• other medical condition
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pravastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take pravastatin tablets by mouth. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Pravastatin can be taken at anytime of the day, with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Pravastatin has been used in children as young as 8 years of age.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• alcohol-containing beverages
• cholestyramine
• colestipol
• cyclosporine
• erythromycin
• gemfibrozil
• herbal medicines such as red yeast rice
• medicines for fungal infections (examples: ketoconazole, itraconazole)
• niacin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• dark urine
• fever
• muscle pain, cramps, or weakness
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

• gas
• headache
• heartburn
• indigestion
• stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups. You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.

Tell you doctor or health care professional right away if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.

This drug is only part of a total heart-health program. Your doctor or a dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to help. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

Do not use this drug if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Serious side effects to an unborn child or to an infant are possible. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

If you are going to have surgery tell your health care professional that you are taking this drug.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:March 26, 2007

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