About Pravachol
The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Pravachol.
Pravachol is a medication in the group of "statins" prescribed to affect blood cholesterol levels. It lowers LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, and increases levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol. It has demonstrated an inhibiting effect on triglycerides and other types of fat, and may also be prescribed as a preventative to help lower the risk of heart attacks in those with coronary heart disease or diabetes.
Though most patients responded positively to Pravachol in clinical trials, those who combined the drug regimen with lifestyle changes to diet and exercise experienced the best results. A health care provider who prescribes Pravachol will also recommend a low cholesterol, low fat diet, as well as a daily routine of exercise appropriate to the patient's overall health and fitness.
Pravachol is usually prescribed to be taken one time per day, with food or without it. It should be taken at the same time each day in order to maintain adequate medication levels in the bloodstream. A missed dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered, unless it is too close in time to the next dose. In these cases, the dose should be skipped in favor of resuming the normal dosing schedule. Patients should not risk doubling a dose of Pravachol to make up for a missed one.
This medication may cause minor side effects such as heartburn or headache. More severe side effects might include loss of appetite, flu symptoms, lack of energy, muscle pain, unexplained itching, or pain in the upper right region of the abdomen. Patients who experience these side effects, or any of the usual symptoms of allergic reaction, should contact their health care provider immediately.
| Form: |
Tablet, taken orally |
| Strength: |
10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg |
| Storage: |
Store in original container, at room temperature. Keep away excess light and moisture. |
| Contraindications: |
Those with liver diseases, or who are allergic to any part of this medication. |
| Generic Name: |
Pravastatin |
What is Pravastatin?
Pravastatin is the generic equivalent of Pravachol and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same active ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Pravastatin.
