Pravastatin (Pravachol) Cholesterol-Lowering Medication
Pravastatin is a generic form of the brand name drug called Pravachol. This medication a cholesterol-lowering drug used to lower or stabilize the cholesterol level in the body. It works by blocking the production of cholesterol type forming fat in the body. It might also indirectly help prevent heart disease and the hardening of the arteries since it helps reduce clots formation in the arteries. People with coronary heart disease are given Pravastatin since it is also believed to reduce the risk of getting heart attack, stroke and other complications involving the heart.
Side Effects:
Like all other statins, people who take Pravastatin may experience some side effects after taking the drug like:
- Headache, nausea, vomiting,
- Diarrhea, constipation, mild stomach pain
- Muscle pain or tiredness
- Skin rash
- Stuffy nose, flu or cold symptoms
- Bloating, heartburn
These conditions are results of the body's adjustment to the medication. Serious side effects that needs medical immediate attention include inflammation or breakdown of the muscle, liver damage, having dark-colored urine, having clay-colored stools, loss of appetite and jaundice or yellowing of the eyes or the skin.
Do not take medication in larger amounts or dosage. Since this drug is usually taken once a day, patients can benefit more if they take the pill at the same time each day. Patients need not consider meal hours since this drug can be taken with or without food.
Interactions:
If you are taking Pravastatin it is best to avoid drinking alcoholic beverage or eating foods with alcohol content since it will interfere with the potency of the drug. It may also trigger severe side effects. Talk to your doctor if you are taking other drugs like:
- Questran or Colestid
- Drugs that causes your immune system to weaken like steroids, cancer medicines, cyclosporine, Rapamune, Prograf, and the likes
- Erythromycin or clarithromycin
- Anti-fungal medication like Nizoral, Sporanox, Diflucan
- Fenofibrate, clofibrate, gemfibrozil
- Nicolar, Nicobid, Nicotinex, and other niacin-containing drugs
That may interact with this medication.
Warnings:
Those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding should not take this drug. This medication can cause serious birth defects, and will pass into the breast milk to harm your nursing baby. Pravastatin is rated FDA pregnancy category X.
You should not take this medication if you have liver disease. Those with kidney disease, diabetes, or are suffering from muscle disorder should consult with their doctors first before using this medications
It is certainly advised to get a medical expert's opinion first before taking in Pravastatin. This will ensure that you can benefit from the medication as well as avoid getting adverse reactions that might lead to more serious medical problems.