Pravastatin is the active ingredient of Pranalip, Aspen Pravastatin, Prava and Sandoz Pravastatin.

General Information

Pravastatin is indicated for the lowering of blood cholesterol in patients for whom diet, exercise and weight loss was ineffective in reducing high levels of blood glucose.

Your doctor may prescribe this drug to reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (e.g. a heart attack) or having a stroke, when you are considered to be at risk.

Pravastatin is not a cure for high cholesterol, but simply keeps it under control. For this medication to be effective it has to be taken regularly, even if you do not notice an immediate effect. The full benefit of treatment with this medication will only be seen after 4-6 weeks and time should be allowed for pravastatin reach its full effect.

Unwanted side effects may include muscle pain, inflammation and muscle damage, typical with statin cholesterol lowering drugs. Should you experience any of these, you should contact your doctor.

How does pravastatin work?

Pravastatin works by blocking an enzyme in the liver required for the manufacturing of cholesterol. As an indirect result total blood levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) is lowered. Levels of HDL (the good cholesterol) are also elevated.

Fast facts

Drug schedule: Schedule 3

Available as: Pravastatin is available as tablets

What does it do? Pravastatin lowers high levels of cholesterol

Overdose risk: Medium

Dependence risk: Low

Is pravastatin available as a generic? Yes

Is pravastatin available on prescription only? Yes

User information

Onset of effect: Within 3 weeks

Duration of action: Up to 24 hours

Dietary advice: A healthy, low-fat, low cholesterol, high fibre diet is advised for optimal results

Stopping this medicine: Pravastatin should not be stopped suddenly without consulting your doctor. Once discontinued, blood cholesterol levels may return to original, elevated levels.

Prolonged use: Long term use can affect liver function. Muscle function may also be affected. Your doctor may perform periodic tests to keep an eye on these risk-factors.

Special precautions

Consult your doctor before using this drug if:

• You have liver or kidney disease
• You have a disease affecting your muscles
• You are consuming large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis
• You are taking other medication.

Pregnancy: Avoid. Potential risk to the foetus has been reported. Consult your doctor before use, or if you are planning to fall pregnant.

Breastfeeding: Avoid. This medication is passed through breast milk and may affect your baby adversely. Consult your doctor before use.

Porphyria: Avoid. This medication may cause serious adverse effects. Consult your doctor before use.

Infants and children: This medication is not intended for use in children. It should only be prescribed by a paediatrician.

Elderly: No special precautions need to be taken.

Driving and hazardous work: No special precautions need to be taken.

Alcohol: Avoid excessive alcohol use as it may increase the risk of liver-related complications.

Possible side effects

Interactions

Drug interactions

Disease interactions

Consult your doctor before using this drug if you have liver or kidney disease, or if you have a disease affecting your muscles.

Overdose action

A small overdose is no cause for concern. In case of intentional large overdose, seek emergency medical attention.

Recommended dosage

Adults: 10-40 mg at night