Pravachol (Pravastatin) Cholesterol-Lowering Medication
Pravachol is the brand name for the generic drug Pravastatin. It is Cholesterol-lowering medication that helps block the production of fat forming cholesterol in the human body. The active ingredients in Pravachol are also known to aid coronary heart disease patients from getting stroke, similar complications and heart attack. Because Pravastatin lowers the cholesterol in the body, the arteries of the heart are less likely to harden or constrict.
Side effects:
Severe adverse body reactions from Pravachol include sudden loss of appetite, breakdown or inflammation of the muscle and identified liver impairment signs like jaundice, dark-colored urine, clay-colored stool, etc. Slight to moderate side effects experienced by some people who take this medication include feeling of tiredness, gas pain, diarrhea, constipation, having colds symptoms, appearance of skin rash and nausea or headache.
It is best to consult your doctor first before taking (Pravastatin.) Some preexisting medical conditions should be discussed with a medical expert to ensure your safety and the drugs efficiency. Although Pravachol is not habit-forming it is advised that you take the prescribed dosage at the same time daily. You can also take the pill with full glass of water.
Interactions:
Based on clinical studies, there are several identified drugs that interact with this drug and its components, so it is necessary to ask your doctor first to make sure that the said medications are safe for you when combined with Pravachol before you start taking the other medications.
Here are such drugs:
- Erythromycin, clarithromycin
- Anti-fungal drugs like Nizoral, Diflucan or Sporanox
- Steroids or cancer medicines
- Cyclosporine
- Colestid, Questran
- Fenofibrate (TriCor), gemfibrozil, clofibrate or other cholesterol-lowering drug
Warnings:
This medication is rated FDA pregnancy category X. It can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Pregnant women or mothers who are breast feeding should not take this drug. Those who have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, underactive thyroid, or any type of muscle disorder should not take this medicine. Talk to your doctor about list of drugs that might adversely interact with this medication, and try to avoid them while on any Pravastatin type medications.
Drinking alcoholic beverages is also prohibited when you are taking Pravachol. Tell your doctor also if you have hypothyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, or muscle disorder before you take this medication.
Although Pravachol is effective cholesterol-lowering medication, it may not work effectively for you if you don't follow strictly your doctor's precautionary and dosage instructions. Follow a strict low-cholesterol diet plan as well. Consult your doctor to ensure your safety.