Pravastatin

Information about Pravastatin

Pravastatin Uses

Pravastatin is used in the treatment of high cholesterol and Prevention of heart attack and stroke.

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
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Betina Chandolia
MDS, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Lalit Kanodia
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
19 Feb 2020 | 01:37 PM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Pravastatin

PravatorSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
₹102 to ₹1652 variant(s)
PrastatinEmcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹99 to ₹1652 variant(s)

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.

Frequently asked questions for Pravastatin

Pravastatin

Q. What should I know about high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat present in your blood. Your total cholesterol is made up of LDL and HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol as it can build up in the wall of your blood vessels and slow or obstruct blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs. This can cause heart diseases and stroke. HDL cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol as it prevents the bad cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels. Similarly, Triglycerides are a kind of fat found in your blood whose high levels are harmful for you.

Q. What is Pravastatin used for? How does it work?

Pravastatin belongs to a class of medicines called statins that lower the cholesterol in the blood. It is used along with a healthy diet and exercise to reduce bad cholesterol and increase the amount of good cholesterol in the blood. It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the liver in order to decrease the amount of cholesterol that accumulates on the walls of arteries. Improving the levels of cholesterol in the blood helps to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Q. For how long should I take Pravastatin?

You may need to take Pravastatin for life or for as long as directed by your doctor. The cholesterol levels will be maintained only until you are taking Pravastatin. Stopping Pravastatin without starting a different treatment may increase your cholesterol levels again. This medicine has only a few side effects and is usually considered safe if taken as directed by the doctor.

Q. Does Pravastatin make you tired?

Yes, Pravastatin can make you feel tired. This is because they reduce the energy supply to the muscles in the body. However, the exact reason behind the phenomena is unknown and needs more research. Tiredness usually occurs after exertion. Generalized fatigue is more often seen in people with heart disease or those suffering from liver illness. Pravastatin also causes muscle damage which further worsens the tiredness. Therefore, must consult your doctor if you feel tired while taking Pravastatin.

Q. Is Pravastatin safe to take?

Yes, Pravastatin is safe to use if used as prescribed by the doctor and if the doctor's instructions are followed. The side effects of this medicine are few and do not occur in everyone.

Q. Does Pravastatin cause diabetes?

If you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, taking Pravastatin may increase this risk slightly. This is because Pravastatin can raise your blood sugar a little. If you already have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may advise monitoring your blood sugar levels more closely for the first few months. Tell your doctor if you find it harder to control your blood sugar.

Q. What foods should be avoided when taking Pravastatin?

Pravastatin is used to decrease your blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, to seek the best results of this medicine, you should avoid foods that are high in calories like fried food and junk food. It is recommended to eat a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all the exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietician.

Q. Can I take alcohol with Pravastatin?

No, it is not advised to take alcohol with Pravastatin. This is because the risk of developing liver problems increases if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Moreover, there is a significant increase in the triglyceride levels if Pravastatin is taken along with alcohol. This can further lead to liver damage and also worsen some of the side effects such as muscle pain, muscle weakness and tenderness. People with liver problems are therefore advised not to take Pravastatin without consulting your doctor. Thye also refrains from consuming alcohol while taking this medicine to get maximum benefit.

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