Pravachol (Pravastatin)

Pravachol (Pravastatin) Medication Information

Uses

Pravachol is a medication used to treat high cholesterol levels, and to reduce a patients risk for having a heart attack or stroke. 

Dosage

The tablets are available in several different strengths:

• 10 mg
• 20 mg
• 40 mg
• 80 mg

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Pravachol include:

• Muscle pain
• Headache 
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upper respiratory infection
• Diarrhea

Speak with your doctor for a full list of side effects that apply to you if you are taking Pravastatin.

Precautions

Pravachol can cause severe muscle pain, if patients experience any muscle pain they should contact their physician. 

In patients with liver dysfunction, Pravachol is not recommended.

Interactions

The most common drug interactions with Pravachol are listed:

• Fibrates
• Cyclosporine
• Clarithromycin 

Speak with your doctor for more information and before starting a new medication with Pravastatin. 

Storage

Store at room temperature (77ºF). Keep the bottle tightly closed and protect from light. 

Pharmacist Tips

• Pravachol can cause severe muscle pain, if you experience any muscle pain or weakness contact your doctor. 
• Before starting Pravastatin it is recommended that your doctor checks your liver function. 

Pravastatin FAQs

What should you not take with Pravachol?

There are a few medications that should not be taken with Pravachol, they include, colchicine, daptomycin, and gemfibrozil. 

What are the side effects of Pravachol?

The most common side effects seen with Pravastatin are muscle pain, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. 

Is Pravachol a good statin?

Compared with other statins, it has fewer drug interactions, but there are stronger statins on the market that lower cholesterol more efficiently. 

Why is Pravachol given at night?

Pravachol is given at night because it is when the body makes the most cholesterol. 

Can I stop taking Pravachol abruptly?

Statins do not need to be tapered, but it is important to speak with your doctor if you want to stop taking Pravastatin. 

Related Drugs

• Caduet
• Colestid
• Crestor
• Lescol 
• Lipitor
• Livalo
• Vytorin
• Zetia
• Zocor

Reference:

Pravachol {package insert}. Princeton, NJ: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; 1991.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/019898s062lbl.pdf