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What is Pravachol
PravastatinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryPravastatin is a drug used to lower cholesterol levels, first approved in the United States in 1991. It is a form of mevastatin and was the second statin to be available in the US. It was developed by Sankyo Co. Ltd. and approved by the FDA in 1991. Pravastatin is made through a fermentation process which involves hydrolyzing the lactone group and using bacteria to add an allylic 6-alcohol group.
Pravacholis the brand name
Pravachol Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Pravachol
Pravastatin
1994
391
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Pravastatin, otherwise known as Pravachol, is approved by the FDA for 21 uses including Secondary prevention cardiovascular event and Low-Density Lipoproteins .Secondary prevention cardiovascular event
Low-Density Lipoproteins
Heart Attack
Low-Density Lipoproteins
Coronary Heart Disease
High Cholesterol
Helps manage Hyperlipidemias
Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis
Cardiovascular Diseases
Secondary Prevention
Acute Coryza
cholesterol
Mortality
Diet
Hypercholesterolemia
elevation of serum triglyceride levels
inadequate response to diet
Dysbetalipoproteinemia
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Stroke
Myocardial Revascularization
Dyslipidemias
Effectiveness
How Pravachol Affects PatientsPravastatin is a drug used to reduce cholesterol levels. It boosts the production of liver-produced proteins (LDL receptors), which decreases the amount of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. In clinical trials, taking pravastatin decreased total cholesterol by 18%, LDL by 27%, and triglycerides by 6%, while increasing good cholesterol (HDL) by 4%. This can lead to a 24% decrease in the risk of death due to coronary disease. In addition, when taken with a drug called cholestyramine, pravastatin can reduce LDL levels by 50% and slow the progression of athe
How Pravachol works in the bodyPravastatin works by blocking an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme helps produce cholesterol in the body, so blocking it reduces cholesterol production. Pravastatin also increases the number of LDL receptors on cells, which helps the body clear LDL cholesterol from the blood. Lastly, it reduces the amount of VLDL produced in the liver, since VLDL is a product of LDL cholesterol.
When to interrupt dosage
The endorsed measure of Pravachol is based on the diagnosed state, for instance, a conventional cholesterol-lowering diet, Hyperlipidemia and augmentation of serum triglyceride levels. The amount of medication varies, contingent upon the delivery method (e.g. Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral or Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release) featured in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Acute Coryza
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Diet
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Low-Density Lipoproteins
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Cardiovascular Outcomes
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Myocardial Revascularization
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Hypercholesterolemia
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Heart Attack
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Secondary prevention cardiovascular event
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
standard cholesterol-lowering diet
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Mortality
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Heart Disease
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Cerebrovascular Diseases
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Stroke
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Cardiovascular Diseases
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Dysbetalipoproteinemia
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Coronary Heart Disease
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
High Cholesterol
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
inadequate response to diet
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
elevation of serum triglyceride levels
, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Kit, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Warnings
Pravachol ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
acute liver disease
Do Not Combine
Breast Milk Production
Do Not Combine
Transaminases
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Pravastatin may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Pravachol Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Ozanimod
Major
Pravastatin may decrease the excretion rate of Ozanimod which could result in a higher serum level.
Rimegepant
Major
The serum concentration of Rimegepant can be increased when it is combined with Pravastatin.
Trabectedin
Major
The risk or severity of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis can be increased when Pravastatin is combined with Trabectedin.
Adefovir dipivoxil
Minor
The excretion of Adefovir dipivoxil can be decreased when combined with Pravastatin.
Cidofovir
Minor
The excretion of Cidofovir can be decreased when combined with Pravastatin.
Pravachol Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe highest toxic dose of pravastatin in mice is 8939 mg/kg. Overdosing on pravastatin has not been reported, but if it happens, patients should receive medical attention and laboratory tests. High doses of pravastatin have been linked to an increase in liver cancer in males and lung cancer in females, but no effects on fertility or reproduction have been observed.
Pravachol Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Pravachol?
150 active clinical trials are presently assessing the efficacy of Pravachol in managing Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis, Coronary Death and Cholesterol levels.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Stroke
11 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Myocardial Revascularization
0 Actively Recruiting
Cardiovascular Diseases
0 Actively Recruiting
Dysbetalipoproteinemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
standard cholesterol-lowering diet
0 Actively Recruiting
cholesterol
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable
Cardiovascular Outcomes
0 Actively Recruiting
Secondary prevention cardiovascular event
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypercholesterolemia
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable
Acute Coryza
0 Actively Recruiting
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
8 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
Cerebrovascular Diseases
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
elevation of serum triglyceride levels
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Secondary Prevention
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Diet
5 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Dyslipidemias
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Mortality
28 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1, Phase 2
High Cholesterol
21 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Heart Attack
53 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Pravachol Reviews: What are patients saying about Pravachol?
5Patient Review
10/5/2013 I'm so pleased with this treatment. My cholesterol is now at a healthy level, and my triglycerides have decreased significantly.
5Patient Review
2/21/2014 I switched from Lipitor to this drug after reading that it could help reduce my risk of diabetes by up to 30%. So far, I'm really happy with the results.
4.3Patient Review
11/18/2013 This drug has lowered my cholesterol significantly in just four months. My LDL and HDL are now both in the satisfactory range. I have had no side effects so far, which is great.
4.3Patient Review
7/30/2022 I've tried Lipitor, Zocor, and Crestor. So far, Pravachol is the only one that doesn't have any negative side effects. It's worth a try for those who have issues with other statins!
4.3Patient Review
4/25/2019 I experienced headaches, muscle pain, and leg weakness while taking this medication.
3.7Patient Review
7/27/2013 I've been on this medication for a while now, and the last two years have been increasingly difficult due to chronic muscle pain. It's gotten to the point where it's impacting my spine, so I saw a doctor about it last night. He thinks it might be this drug, and after reading all these reviews, I'm inclined to agree. I'll be calling my doctor on Monday to discuss coming off of it.
3Patient Review
1/23/2017 I've been taking Pravachol for two weeks now. I don't seem to be experiencing any of the negative side effects that others have reported, which is great. However, I won't know how effective it is for another couple of months when I get my next blood draw.
3Patient Review
9/26/2013 I was prescribed this as a substitute for Lipitor, which had begun causing me pain in my sacrum and ilia. Stopping the Lipitor for just two weeks stopped the pain entirely.
2.7Patient Review
7/8/2013 I had really intense stomach pains and cramps from taking this drug. I also couldn't sleep at night, so my doctor took me off it for a couple of weeks to see what would happen.
2.3Patient Review
3/26/2015 I was taking another Crestor and it made my hips and shoulder joints ache. Took several months to make the connection. I stopped taking it and the joint pains got much better. Dr put me on generic Pravachol. Almost immediately the knee, joint, and should pain have returned, plus feeling generally lousy. Not positive this drug is the cause but I'm I'm going to stop taking it to see if I improve....again.
2Patient Review
11/4/2013 I started experiencing intense joint pain after only a fortnight of use, as well as fluid retention and general vagueness. Additionally, I found it hard to sleep, my urine was dark and I felt very tired all the time. My libido also took a real nosedive.
1.7Patient Review
3/18/2014 I took the generic RX of this drug and experienced terrible pain in my hips and legs. While at the gym, my legs gave out on me and I almost collapsed to the floor. It was awful, and no way Jose' will I take this crap again!!!
1.7Patient Review
12/28/2012 I had to stop taking this after only two weeks because the side effects were intolerable. I was experiencing tingling, numbness, headaches, muscle aches, and dizziness. My doctor told me to stop taking it and try something else after a couple of weeks.
1.7Patient Review
10/10/2016 I tried four different statins and they all resulted in the same muscle weakness. I then started taking opti omega 3, plant sterols 3 a day, vitamink2 mk7, and vitamin d. These have helped my bones to repair; however, my muscles are still not getting better. My cholesterol levels have lowered from 12.1 to 5.3 without statins by following a low fat diet and reducing sugar intake.
1.3Patient Review
6/12/2013 I've suffered from hair loss, depression, and leg cramps since starting this treatment.
Patient Q&A Section about pravachol
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are side effects of Pravachol?
"Pravachol can be bought as a generic drug. Its common side effects are headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, skin rashes, dizziness and abnormal liver tests."
Answered by AI
What is the difference between Pravachol and Lipitor?
"Are pravastatin and Lipitor the same medication?
No, pravastatin and Lipitor are not the same medication. Pravastatin is broken down in the stomach, while Lipitor is primarily metabolized by the CYP P450 enzyme system in the liver."
Answered by AI
Is Pravachol a good statin?
"Pravachol is a statin that is less likely to cause drug interactions, muscle damage, and kidney damage than other statins. It is also the safest statin to use for liver problems. Pravachol is available in generic form."
Answered by AI