Pravastatin
Information about Pravastatin
Pravastatin Uses
Pravastatin is used in the treatment of high cholesterol, prevention of heart attack and stroke and high triglycerides.
How Pravastatin works
Pravastatin is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, raising the level of "good" cholesterol (HDL).
Common side effects of Pravastatin
Body ache, Headache, Muscle pain, Upper respiratory tract infection, Vomiting
Expert advice for Pravastatin
- It should be taken in the evening after dinner and before sleeping.
- Inform your doctor if you experience fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle pain.
- Your doctor may check your liver function before starting the treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of liver problems such as stomach pains, unusually dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes.
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes before starting treatment with this medicine. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar level regularly as Pravastatin may cause an increase in your blood sugar level.
- Do not take Pravastatin if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Pravastatin treats high cholesterol by lowering "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats). It should be taken in addition to regular exercise and low-fat diet.
- It also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- In general, Pravastatin is safe. It may cause diarrhea, gas or an upset stomach. If any of these happen to you, take it with food.
- Inform your doctor if you experience fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle pain.
- Your doctor may check your liver function before starting the treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of liver problems such as stomach pains, unusually dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes.
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes before starting treatment with this medicine. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar level regularly as Pravastatin may cause an increase in your blood sugar level.
- Do not take Pravastatin if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.