What Is Pravastatin?

In today's society where fast food reigns supreme and extra time is virtually nonexistent, it can be difficult to lower cholesterol levels with a healthy diet and exercise alone. When the old-fashioned method has failed, your doctor may decide it's time to put you on a cholesterol-lowering medication like Pravastatin. Not only does it reduce the levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol), it may also help reduce the total cholesterol in your body while decreasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Dosage

As with any prescription medication, Pravastatin needs to be taken as your doctor has prescribed. It should not be taken in larger doses or for a period longer than the doctor has deemed necessary, although, in some cases, it is used on a long-term basis. Typically it needs to be taken twice a day, at the same time each day, and with a full glass of water. If you happen to miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as prescribed. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed dose. If you feel you may have taken too much Pravastatin, seek emergency medical attention. Currently it is not believed that there are any life-threatening symptoms connected with taking more of this medication than you should, so there are no overdose symptoms available.

Side Effects

As with any medications, there are possible side effects, some more serious than others. Some of the more common side effects that should go away include feeling tired, constipation, mild stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, heartburn, dizziness and a skin rash. Some of the more serious side effects associated with Pravastatin include fever or flu-like symptoms accompanied by dark urine, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, chest pain, muscle pain or weakness and jaundice. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Pravastatin immediately and call your doctor. In some cases, patients develop an allergic reaction to their medication. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Pravastatin include swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, and face; difficulty breathing; and hives. If you develop any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.

Medication Interaction

Certain medications may interact negatively with Pravastatin. Before taking this medication, you should give your doctor a complete list of all medications you are currently on, including over-the-counter medicines. Medications that may react adversely with Pravastatin include Questran or Colestid; cancer medications or steroids such as Neoral, Rapamune, and Prograf; various medications such as erythromycin, Biaxin, niacin, Atromid, and Tricor; and antifungal medications such as Nizoral and Diflucan.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions may not allow you to take Pravastatin or may require your dosage to be adjusted. You may also require special testing while on it to ensure the quality of your health if you have certain conditions, including kidney disease, underactive thyroid, muscle disorders or diabetes. Monitoring is also recommended for anyone who drinks more than three alcoholic beverages per day.

Warning

This medication can cause birth defects in babies; therefore, you need to tell your doctor if you plan on becoming pregnant or are pregnant. Take extra birth control precautions during intercourse while on Pravastatin. Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking this medication, therefore you should refrain from alcoholic beverages. In addition, there have been rare cases in which taking Pravastatin has led to the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This can possibly lead to kidney failure. If you have any unexplained muscle pain or weakness, or notice a change in your urine, notify your doctor immediately.