pravastatin, Pravigard PAC (discontinued)

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Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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GENERIC NAME: pravastatin

BRAND NAME: Pravachol, Pravigard PAC (discontinued)

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Pravastatin is an oral drug for lowering the cholesterol in the blood that contributes to the formation of plaques in the walls of arteries that obstruct the flow of blood, known as arteriosclerotic vascular disease. Obstruction of the flow of blood to the heart causes heart attacks. Obstruction of flow to the brain causes strokes. Pravastatin has been shown to reduce the occurrence of heart attacks, strokes and death caused by arteriosclerotic vascular disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly called "statins." Other statins include simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and fluvastatin (Lescol). Statins reduce cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) that is necessary for the production of cholesterol. In the blood, statins lower total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol as well as triglycerides. LDL cholesterol is believed to be an important cause of arteriosclerotic vascular disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels slows progression or reduces the size of cholesterol-containing plaques in the arteries of the heart and brain as well as other tissues. Statins also increase HDL ("good") cholesterol, and higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with reduced arteriosclerotic vascular disease. Raising HDL cholesterol levels may slow the progression of arteriosclerotic vascular disease.

Scientists have discovered that inflammation of the coronary arteries also may contribute to arteriosclerotic vascular disease. Inflammation is associated with elevated levels of a protein called C-reactive protein in the blood. This C-reactive protein can be measured by a test, referred to as the "highly-sensitive" C-reactive protein test (Hs-CRP). Elevated levels of Hs-CRP predict the occurrence of heart attacks, strokes, and death. In fact, Hs-CRP is a better predictor of heart attacks, strokes, and death than cholesterol levels. Statins reduce the levels of Hs-CRP, and it has been suggested that statins may reduce arteriosclerotic vascular disease by reducing inflammation in addition to lowering levels of cholesterol. Pravastatin was approved by the FDA in October 1991.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg

STORAGE: Pravastatin should be stored at room temperature, between 15-30 C (58-86 F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Pravastatin is used for treating individuals who have or are at risk for arteriosclerotic vascular disease and its consequences, heart attacks, and strokes. Pravastatin provides the following benefits:

• Reduces total cholesterol Reduces LDL cholesterol
• Reduces triglycerides Increases HDL cholesterol
• Reduces the risk of heart attacks Reduces the risk of death
• Reduces the need to undergo procedures to open up the arteries of the heart
• Reduces the risk of strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or mini-strokes)

DOSING: The dose range of pravastatin is 10-80 mg daily. The usual starting dose in adults is 40 mg once daily. The maximum dose is 80 mg per day. The starting dose for patients with major liver or kidney dysfunction is 10 mg daily.

The dose for children (8-13 years old) is 20 mg daily, and the dose for adolescents (14-18 years old) is 40 mg daily.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine (Questran) may reduce the absorption of pravastatin from the intestine and thereby reduce its effects. Therefore, pravastatin should be taken one hour before or four hours after bile acid sequestrants. The use of pravastatin with nicotinic acid, gemfibrozil (Lopid) or other drugs that cause liver or muscle problems may increase the risk of muscle problems.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.