Pravastatin (pravastatin sodium) is a medication classed as an antilipemic, which means it is used to lower serum cholesterol levels. Pravastatin lowers low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and triglyceride levels in the blood and simultaneously helps to improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in the blood. HDL is considered good cholesterol. Pravastatin is used to treat high cholesterol and to help prevent complications from elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, such as heart attack from atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries) of coronary arteries and stroke from cerebrovascular atherosclerosis.
General Adverse Reactions
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that pravastatin has the potential to elevate liver enzymes, which, if left unchecked, may result in serious health complications. Myopathies (muscle toxicity) may occur from prolonged and significant elevation of liver enzymes, which may lead to a condition called rhabdomyolysis, a rapid breakdown of muscle tissue that can cause kidney damage or kidney failure.
Symptoms of elevated liver enzymes are muscle and joint pain, fatigue and jaundice. These symptoms should be reported to a physician. Patients should have liver function tests done before beginning pravastatin and should have the tests repeated at 12 weeks of therapy. Patients with a history of liver disease should not take pravastatin.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Side Effects
The NIH reports that pravastatin may cause chest pain in some patients. Any occurrence of chest pain should be reported to a physician. Pravastatin may cause a cough, rhinitis and increased occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections. These symptoms should be reported to a physician.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
The NIH reports that prolonged therapy with pravastatin causes some patients to experience headache, dizziness and difficulty sleeping. Mood disturbances are reported, with depression and anxiety occurring in some people taking pravastatin.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Pravastatin may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Other gastrointestinal side effects include indigestion, flatulence and (in some people) constipation.
References
- National Institutes of Health DailyMed: Pravachol (Pravastatin Sodium) Tablet
- Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010
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