Pravastatin
Uses of Pravastatin
Pravastatin is commonly used to treat patients with High Cholesterol, High Ldl Levels, High Triglycerides, and Low Hdl Good Cholesterol.
How Pravastatin Works
Pravastatin inhibits the 3-hydroxy –3- methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the enzyme catalyzing the early rate limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis and inhibits LDL production by inhibiting the hepatic synthesis of VLDL- cholesterol, the LDL- cholesterol precursor. As a result, it reduces total cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride. Besides, it also increases HDL cholesterol levels and apolipoprotein A.
Side Effects of Pravastatin
Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, Diarrhea, headache, cough, insomnia, chest pain, rash, fatigue, dizziness, influenza, blurred vision, myalgia, elevated serum transaminase, alopoecia, paraesthesia, impotence, gynaecomastia.
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Pravastatin should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. You should start the drug with 10 mg a day and further dose adjustment of Pravastatin may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol Not Advisable
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Pravastatin because it may worsen the side effects of Pravastatin such as nausea and vomiting, dizziness and visual disturbances.
Pregnancy Not Safe - High Risk
Pravastatin is unsafe to use during pregnancy. Both Animal and human studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus. The risk always outweigh the benefit of Pravastatin. Please consult your doctor.
Driving Generally Safe
Pravastatin usually does not affect the ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.
Liver Use With Care
Pravastatin should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. You should start Pravastatin with 10 mg a day and further dose adjustment of Pravastatin may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Lactation Not Advisable
Pravastatin is contraindicated for breastfeeding mothers because a small amount of it is excreted in breast milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
