MedDataToolPravastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and related conditions. It works by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol, which helps lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels. You typically take it as a pill once a day, starting with a dose of 40 mg, which can be increased to a maximum of 80 mg if needed. It's important to know that this medication should not be taken if you have active liver disease or unexplained high liver enzyme levels. Additionally, if you are taking cyclosporine, your doctor will likely start you on a lower dose of 10 mg and monitor you closely.
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Uses
- Reduce risk of heart attack in patients with high cholesterol.
- Reduce risk of heart-related death in patients with heart disease.
- Lower cholesterol levels in patients with high cholesterol.
- Lower triglyceride levels in patients with high triglycerides.
- Treat children aged 8 and older with familial hypercholesterolemia.
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Dosage
Adults: starting dose is 40 mg once daily.
If needed, increase to 80 mg once daily.
Children (ages 8 to 13): 20 mg once daily.
Adolescents (ages 14 to 18): 40 mg once daily.
Take at any time, with or without food.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
muscle painnauseaupper respiratory infectiondiarrheaheadache
Serious
liver function test increasesmyopathyrhabdomyolysis
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Increased risk of muscle problems with cyclosporine, clarithromycin, and colchicine.
- Use caution with other cholesterol-lowering drugs.
- Not studied in certain types of lipid disorders.
- Monitor liver function during treatment.
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Drug interactions
- Cyclosporineincreased risk of muscle problemsMonitor
- Clarithromycinincreased risk of muscle problemsMonitor
- Gemfibrozilavoid due to increased muscle riskAvoid
- Niacinmay increase muscle effectsCaution
- Colchicineincreased risk of muscle problemsMonitor
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).