PRAVASTATIN - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (PRAV-uh-stat-in)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pravachol
GENERIC NAME(S): pravastatin sodium
Uses
USES: Pravastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.
How to use PRAVASTATIN - ORAL
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take pravastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These products can react with pravastatin, preventing its full absorption. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
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Faq for PRAVASTATIN - ORAL
Pravastatin is commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Pravastatin belongs to a class of medications called statins, which work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. By lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, pravastatin helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Common side effects of pravastatin may include muscle pain, joint pain, stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and headache. It is advisable to consult your doctor if any of these side effects become severe or persistent.
Certain medications may interact with pravastatin and increase the risk of side effects. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements.
Statins like pravastatin are generally not recommended during pregnancy as they may harm the developing fetus. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice may increase the levels of pravastatin in the body, potentially leading to an increased risk of side effects. It is advisable to avoid or limit the intake of grapefruit and its juice while taking pravastatin.
The full effects of pravastatin may not be seen for several weeks or months. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not immediately notice any significant changes.
It is generally not recommended to stop taking pravastatin abruptly without consulting your doctor. Suddenly discontinuing statin therapy may lead to a rebound effect, causing a sudden increase in cholesterol levels. Always discuss any changes in medication with your healthcare provider.
While there are no specific dietary restrictions, it is important to follow a healthy diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats to maximize the effectiveness of pravastatin in reducing cholesterol levels.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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