Uses
What is pravastatin used for?
Pravastatin is commonly used to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. It also increases good cholesterol levels (HDL). Improving your cholesterol levels helps decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Pravastatin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does pravastatin work (mechanism of action)?
Pravastatin lowers blood cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver and by increasing the breakdown of bad cholesterol.
How is pravastatin supplied (dosage forms)?
Pravastatin is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 10 mg oral tablets
- 20 mg oral tablets
- 40 mg oral tablets
- 80 mg oral tablets
How should I store pravastatin?
Pravastatin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of pravastatin?
The most common side effects of pravastatin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and cough
- Muscle pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
There may be other side effects of pravastatin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of pravastatin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of pravastatin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Muscle Problems. Pravastatin can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking pravastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
- Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
- Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
- Dark colored urine
- Fever
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking pravastatin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light colored poop
- Dark colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Increased Blood Sugar. Pravastatin may increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Pravastatin can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking pravastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use pravastatin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take pravastatin.
- Pravastatin
- Pravachol
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pravastatin products they stock.
Liver Problems. Pravastatin should not be taken if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.
What should I know about pravastatin before using it?
Do not take pravastatin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share pravastatin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep pravastatin out of the reach of children.
People aged 65 years and older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of pravastatin, including muscle pain, weakness, and injury. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using pravastatin?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if pravastatin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Muscle weakness or pain that cannot be explained
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
Other Medicines and Supplements. Pravastatin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking pravastatin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. Pravastatin may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take pravastatin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Do not take pravastatin while you are breastfeeding. Pravastatin can pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does pravastatin interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between pravastatin and foods or drinks.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking pravastatin. The risk of liver damage may be increased if you drink significant amounts of alcohol.
Does pravastatin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using pravastatin.
- Colchicine, which is commonly used for gout
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
- Niacin or a fibrate such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibrate (Tricor), or fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), which are medicines for high cholesterol
- Certain antibiotics, such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin
- A bile acid sequestrant such as cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), which are medicines for high cholesterol
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of pravastatin. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally take too much pravastatin?
If you or someone else has taken too much pravastatin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of pravastatin?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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