ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Primary and secondary prevention of coronary events, hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids)
BRAND NAME Pravachol
DRUG CLASS
Anti-lipid (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor)
DESCRIPTION
This drug inhibits an enzyme that is an important factor in the production of cholesterol.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness, headache, stomach cramps or discomfort, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, localized pain, common cold, cough, chest pain, fatigue, flu syndrome.
CAUTIONS
Not for use in active liver disease or in patients with high levels of liver function tests.
You should not consume large amounts of alcohol or have a history of liver disease.
Liver function should be monitored before initiation and periodically during therapy.
May require reduced doses in impaired kidney function.
Can also cause severe muscles aches which are a symptom of a more serious disorder (rhabdomyolysis) in which the muscle fibers break down. If this disorder progresses, decreases in kidney function may also occur. This risk is increased with concurrent use of drugs that increase pravastatin levels.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Azole antifungals, ciprofloxacin, colestipol, cholestyramine, fibric acid drugs (such as gemfibrozil), niacin, protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir, saquinavir, etc.). Check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to starting any new medication, herbal product, or nonprescription drug.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Grapefruit juice. Avoid excessive intake of alcohol.
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
St. John’s wort
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category X. Pravastatin should not be used during breast-feeding.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Before initiation of therapy, patients should be placed on a standard cholesterol-lowering diet for six weeks and the diet should be continued during drug therapy. Report any signs of muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor.
