What is Generic Pravachol (Pravastatin)?
Generic Pravachol (Pravastatin) is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood.
What Is Generic Pravachol (Pravastatin) Used For?
Generic Pravastatin is used for the reduction of total and LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides and to increase HDL cholesterol. Generic Pravastatin reduces the occurrence of heart attacks, strokes and death caused by coronary artery disease.
Generic Pravachol (Pravastatin) Facts
Active Ingredients: Pravastatin sodium
Inactive Ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and povidone.
The 10 mg tablet also contains Red Ferric Oxide, the 20 mg tablets also contain Yellow Ferric Oxide.
Class and Mechanism:
Generic Pravachol (Pravastatin) is one of a class of lipid-lowering compounds, the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, which reduce cholesterol biosynthesis.
Generic Pravachol (Pravastatin) Storage
Generic Pravachol should be stored at room temperature, between 20-25°C (68-77°F).
How to take Generic Pravachol (Pravastatin)?
The patient should be placed on a standard cholesterol-lowering diet before receiving
Generic Pravachol (Pravastatin) and should continue on this diet during treatment with Generic Pravachol.
Generic Pravachol can be administered orally as a single dose at any time of the day, with or without food. Since the maximal effect of a given dose is seen within 4 weeks, periodic lipid determinations should be performed at this time and dosage adjusted according to the patient’s response to therapy and established treatment guidelines.
If OVERDOSE
To date, there has been limited experience with overdosage of Generic Pravachol. If an overdose occurs, it should be treated symptomatically with laboratory monitoring and supportive measures should be instituted as required.
What to do if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
!!! Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Who should not take Generic Pravachol (Pravastatin)?
You should not take Generic Pravachol (Pravastatin) if you fit any of the following situations:
- You are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. Generic Pravachol may harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant, stop taking Generic Pravachol and call your doctor right away.
- You are breastfeeding. Generic Pravachol can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby.
- You have liver problems.
- You are allergic to Generic Pravachol or any of its ingredients.
What side effects may occur?
Stop taking this drug and tell your doctor immediately if you develop Pravachol side effects like muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness).
Liver problems: Generic Pravachol can cause liver problems. Your doctor may do a blood test to check your liver before you start taking Generic Pravachol, and while you take it.
Generic Pravachol (Pravastatin) Drug Interactions
Consult your doctor if you are taking cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, niacin, antibiotics, especially erythromycin, or medications for fungal infections. All of these drugs may increase the risk of myositis (muscle inflammation) when taken with Generic Pravachol (Pravastatin) and may lead to Generic Pravachol side effects like kidney failure.
Generic Pravachol and certain other medications can interact, causing serious side effects. Tell your doctor about any prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including the following:
- Vitamins
- Herbal supplements
- Medication for your immune system, such as drugs prescribed following organ transplantation
- Other cholesterol medications
- Medication for infections, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, itraconazole, or ketoconazole
- Medication for heart failure
- Medication for HIV or AIDS
Additional Information
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
