Pravastatin

Generic name: pravastatin [ PRAV-a-STAT-in ]
Brand name: Pravachol
Drug class: Statins

Dosage forms: Tablet.

Route of administration: Oral.

Dose: Typical starting dose: 40 mg once daily.Dosage range: 10 mg to 80 mg once daily.

Adjustments based on patient response and cholesterol levels.

Mechanism of action: Pravastatin works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. By blocking this enzyme, pravastatin reduces the production of cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and increases the clearance of LDL from the bloodstream. This leads to lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, which helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Drug usage cases: Treatment of primary hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and mixed dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels). Reduction of elevated total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglycerides. Increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with or at high risk for coronary heart disease.

Drug contraindications: Active liver disease, including unexplained persistent elevations in liver transaminases. Known hypersensitivity to pravastatin or any component of the formulation. Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects: Common: Muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, headache, nausea, diarrhea. Serious: Myopathy, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), liver enzyme abnormalities, severe allergic reactions. Rare: Cognitive impairment (memory loss, confusion), increased blood sugar levels.

Warnings: Monitor liver function tests before starting treatment and periodically thereafter. Use with caution in patients with a history of liver disease or heavy alcohol use. Discontinue if significant elevations in liver enzymes persist or if signs of myopathy occur. Use caution in patients with risk factors for myopathy/rhabdomyolysis (e.g., renal impairment, hypothyroidism, advanced age). Inform your doctor if you experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Contraindicated during pregnancy due to the potential for harm to the fetus (statins can affect fetal development). Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception. Contraindicated during breastfeeding as it is unknown if pravastatin is excreted in human milk.