Pravastatin, the generic form of the drug Pravachol, treats high cholesterol in the blood. According to Mayo Clinic, pravastatin along with a healthy diet, can prevent clogging of the arteries and heart disease. Drugs.com, an online drug reference, reports that pravastatin not only lowers bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the body but also increases the levels of good cholesterol.
How It Works
According to Mayo Clinic, pravastatin interferes with the production of the enzyme responsible for making cholesterol in the body. Drugs.com states this medication is classified as a statin drug and works to reduce the amount of fatty substances in the blood.
Important Information
Drugs.com states that patients should not use pravastatin if any of the following conditions apply: liver problems, pregnancy or breast feeding. Patients who have any of the following medical problems should notify a health care provider before taking pravastatin: alcohol abuse, kidney disease, seizures, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes or other endocrine disorders, infection and hypotension or low blood pressure. Children age 8 to 18 can safely use this medication.
Proper Use
According to Mayo Clinic, patients taking pravastatin must also follow a prescribed diet plan. This medication alone will not provide the most benefit. Drugs.com instructs patients to take pravastatin with or without food. Patients should not stop taking this medication even if they feel better and should not miss any doses. Pravastatin should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and moisture, in a tightly sealed bottle.
Dosing
Dosing will vary depending on the patient's medical condition and age, according to Mayo Clinic. The typical dose for adults and children ages 14 to 18 starts with a 40mg tablet once daily. Children ages eight to 13 generally take one 20mg tablet one time a day. The dosage for children under the age of eight will be determined by the health care provider.
Side Effects
Mayo Clinic lists the following possible side effects of pravastatin: difficulty moving, bone and muscle pain, stiff muscles, joint discomfort, jaw, arm, or back pain, body aches, chest discomfort, chills, cough, dark-colored urine, diarrhea, irregular heart rate, high temperature, headache and difficulty breathing. Drugs.com states most patients experience no side effects but the most common include headache and heartburn.
Availability
Pravastatin is available only by a health care provider prescription. It comes in the form of a tablet and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
