Pravachol (Pravastatin Sodium) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Pravachol

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High cholesterol is also referred to as hypercholesterolemia (hyper=high + cholesterol + emia = in the blood) or hyperlipidemia
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is an important part of the outer lining of cells in the body of animals.
Cholesterol is also found in the blood circulation of humans.
Cholesterol in the blood originates from dietary intake and liver production.
Dietary cholesterol comes primarily from animal sources including meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.
Organ meats such as liver, are especially high in cholesterol content.
LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called the "good cholesterol" because HDL cholesterol particles pre...

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PRAVACHOL®
(pravastatin sodium)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

PRAVACHOL® (pravastatin sodium) is one of a class of lipid-lowering compounds, the statins, which reduce cholesterol biosynthesis. These agents are competitive inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme catalyzing the early rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis, conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate.

Pravastatin sodium is designated chemically as 1-Naphthalene-heptanoic acid, 1,2,6,7,8,8ahexahydro-β,δ,6-trihydroxy-2-methyl-8-(2-methyl-1-oxobutoxy)-, monosodium salt, [1S[1α(βS*,δS*),2α,6α,8β(R*),8aα]]-.

Structural formula:

Pravastatin sodium is an odorless, white to off-white, fine or crystalline powder. It is a relatively polar hydrophilic compound with a partition coefficient (octanol/water) of 0.59 at a pH of 7.0. It is soluble in methanol and water ( > 300 mg/mL), slightly soluble in isopropanol, and practically insoluble in acetone, acetonitrile, chloroform, and ether.

PRAVACHOL is available for oral administration as 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg tablets. Inactive ingredients include: croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and povidone. The 10 mg tablet also contains Red Ferric Oxide, the 20 mg and 80 mg tablets also contain Yellow Ferric Oxide, and the 40 mg tablet also contains Green Lake Blend (mixture of D&C Yellow No. 10-Aluminum Lake and FD&C Blue No. 1-Aluminum Lake).

What are the possible side effects of pravastatin (Pravachol)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using pravastatin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

chest pain;
muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or...

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What are the precautions when taking pravastatin sodium (Pravachol)?

Before taking pravastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with pravastatin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Older adults may be...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 3/14/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.