pravastatin
Brand names: PRAVASTATIN SODIUM
# Understanding Pravastatin Pravastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. It works by blocking an enzyme in your liver that makes cholesterol. Doctors prescribe it to patients who have high cholesterol levels or who are at risk for heart problems. By lowering "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL), pravastatin helps protect your heart and blood vessels from damage caused by too much cholesterol. Like all medicines, pravastatin can cause side effects and interact with other drugs. You should tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take, especially other cholesterol drugs, certain antibiotics, cyclosporine, or niacin, as these combinations can increase the risk of muscle problems. Some people may experience muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness while taking this medication. It's important to take pravastatin exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually once a day, and to have regular check-ups to make sure it's working safely for you. If you experience unusual muscle pain or weakness, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor right away.
Known Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS For the concurrent therapy of either cyclosporine, fibrates, niacin (nicotinic acid), or erythromycin, the risk of myopathy increases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Concomitant lipid-lowering therapies: use with fibrates or lipid-modifying doses (≥1 g/day) of niacin increases the risk of adverse skeletal muscle effects. Caution should be used when prescribing with Pravastatin Sodium. (7) Cyclosporine: combination increases exposure. Limit pravastatin to 20 mg once daily. (2.6, 7.1) Clarithromycin: combination increases exposure. Limit pravastatin to 40 mg once daily. (2.7, 7.2) 7.1 Cyclosporine The risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant administration of cyclosporine. Limit pravastatin to 20 mg once daily for concomitant use with cyclosporine [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Clarithromycin and Other Macrolide Antibiotics The
Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA
Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)
- FATIGUE1,262 reports
- DIARRHOEA1,095 reports
- NAUSEA954 reports
- DYSPNOEA928 reports
- HEADACHE842 reports
- FALL837 reports
- DRUG INEFFECTIVE831 reports
- DIZZINESS751 reports
- ASTHENIA710 reports
- ARTHRALGIA709 reports
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.
Check interactions with pravastatin:
SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.