Pravachol (Pravastatin)

Pravachol Description

Pravachol is a medicinal drug containing pravastatin which belongs to the class of drugs known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or simply statins and is used primarily for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood as well as preventing the onset of cardiovascular disease. Pravastatin achieves reduction in cholesterol levels by reducing the levels of bad cholesterol, otherwise known as low density lipoprotein or LDL, while at the same time increasing the levels of good cholesterol, also known as high density lipoprotein or HDL.

Pravachol, which contains pravastatin, is thus used in lowering the triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood. Pravachol and also be used in lowering the danger of heart attacks, diabetes, heart disease and strokes.

Conditions Treated by Pravachol

Pravachol is used primarily for reducing blood cholesterol levels as well as the level of triglycerides (fatty acid) present in the body. Pravachol works through pravastatin, which decreases the amount of low-density lipoprotein or LDL while increasing the quantity of high-density lipoprotein or HDL in the blood, thereby bringing about an overall decrease in the cholesterol present in the blood. Pravachol is also used to treat a number of other conditions such as stroke, diabetes related heart disorders, heart attacks and coronary heart disease. Pravachol may also be employed in treating other medical anomalies not mentioned here.

Pravachol Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

It is extremely important that you take Pravachol exactly as your doctor prescribes. Be very careful not to take bigger or smaller amounts or administer the drug for a longer time than recommended and follow the directions given on the prescription label.

You should take each dosage of Pravachol with a filled glass or 8 ounces of water. The drug can be administered with or without food and is generally taken once every day. Your doctor may decide to change your dosage amounts from time to time in order to make sure that you are reaping the maximum possible benefit from using the medicine.

To ensure that administering Pravachol is indeed helping your medical condition and not giving rise to any serious side effects, you will have to have a number of blood tests conducted on a regular basis. Your doctor also may need to check your liver function from time to time.

b.) Missing a dose

If you end up missing a dose, take the missed dose the moment you remember to do so. If however you remember when it is time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not however take any extra medication to make up for this missed dose.

c.) Overdosing

If you overdose on Pravachol, seek medical attention right away.

Pravachol Warnings

Pravachol can prove to be harmful if you happen to be suffering from certain conditions. It is important that you avoid taking Pravachol if you suffer from severe liver disease. You should also consult a doctor or a pharmacist for dose adjustments or special tests to make sure it is safe for you to take the drug if you happen to be suffering from the following medical conditions:

• A personal or family history of suffering from kidney disease
• A personal or family history of suffering from liver disease
• Disorder of the thyroid
• If you happen to be in the habit of drinking alcohol more than twice a day
• Diabetes

Sometimes Pravachol may give rise to a condition that causes the skeletal muscle tissue to breakdown and eventually leading to failure of the kidneys. This medical condition is more liable to occur among the older patients and in those who suffer from kidney disease or a thyroid, which is underactive. Additionally, you should not use Pravachol if you happen to be allergic to pravastatin, the drug contained within Pravachol.

Avoid using Pravachol if you happen to be pregnant as the drug could cause harm to the unborn baby. Hence, thoroughly consult your doctor regarding the administration of the drug whilst being pregnant and seek out less harmful alternatives.

Pravachol Side Effects

As with most other drugs, Pravachol has a number of side effects. If you exhibit allergic reactions to Pravachol such as:

• hives
• swelling of tongue
• swelling of lips
• inflammation of throat
• swelling of face
• appearance of rashes, excessive itching and difficulty in breathing

you should seek emergency medical help right away and consult your doctor immediately. The more serious side effects of using Pravachol include:

• Pain in the muscles
• Weakness
• Tenderness
• Pain in the upper regions of the stomach
• Itching sensation
• Loss of appetite
• Dark colored urine
• Clay colored stools
• Jaundice
• Irregular urination
• Gain in body weight
• Swelling

Less harmful side effects of using Pravachol are:

• Head ache
• Mild form of pain in the muscles
• Mild outbreak of skin rashes
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Mild form of nausea

The above is not however an exhaustive list and other side effects may arise upon using Pravachol.

Possible Drug Interactions With Pravachol

Pravachol can prove to be harmful if used in tandem with certain other drugs. Make sure to inform your doctor about the following drugs if you are to take Pravachol:

• Tagamet (cimetidine)
• Lescol (fluvastatin)
• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• Zocor (simvastatin)
• Mevacor (lovastatin)
• Crestor (rosuvastatin)
• Aldactone (spironolactone)
• Fibricor(Fenofibric Acid)
• Fenoglide (fenofibrate)
• Tricor (fenofibrate) or Antara)
• Lopid (gemfibrozil)
• Medication for cancer
• Medicine that prevent rejection of organ transplant such as:
  • Rapumune (sirolimus)
  • Prograf (tacrolimus)
  • Neoral Gengraf (cyclosporine)
• Medication that consists of niacin such as:
  • Simcor (niacin/simvastatin)
  • Niaspan (niacin)
  • Niacor

The above however is not an exclusive list and there are other drugs including minerals, vitamins and herbal products, which should not be used simultaneously and concurrently with Pravachol. Hence, it is extremely important that you inform your doctor about any and all medications that you happen to be using at the time of taking Pravachol.

If you have any questions about buying discount Pravachol online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.