People who may be worried about developing cardiovascular problems may now depend on Pravastatin to reduce their risk significantly. Make sure you know the right dosage and tips for safe use.
Pravastatin is the generic name of the drug belonging to the drug class of statins generally used to lower cholesterol and prevent heart attacks and strokes. It is an enzyme blocker or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used when other non-pharmaceutical treatments are rendered ineffective. The medication also comes under the brand names Pravigard and Pravachol and is known to be most effective when used together with a healthy diet and exercise. As blood levels of cholesterol found along blood vessel walls are decreased, oxygen and blood supply is increased to the brain and other vital organs. Pravastatin comes in the form of tablets which should be taken by mouth.
There are different side effects caused by Pravastatin such as headache, heartburn, fever, lack of energy, jaundice or yellowing of the eyes or skin, nausea, extreme tiredness, upper right quadrant abdominal pain, unusual bruising or bleeding, flu-like symptoms, rash, hives, loss of appetite, itching, hoarseness, facial, throat, lip, eye or extremity swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, diarrhea and vomiting.
Contraindications to Pravastatin include hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to the drug and concurrent intake of drugs and supplements with known interactions like cyclosporine, ketoconazole, cholesterol-lowering medications, niacin, cimetidine and spironolactone. Those with liver and kidney problems, pregnant, lactating and taking alcohol frequently should also take special precautions. Individuals about to undergo surgery including dental surgery should inform their doctor or dentist first about their intake of Pravastatin.
Pravastatin’s mechanism of action is to lower blood cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme found in the liver specifically known as HMG-CoA reductase. The enzyme is vital in producing cholesterol. Statins are also known to lower bad cholesterol or LDL and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol or HDL thereby reducing the risk for coronary artery disease or reverse it altogether.
34 patients were included in a clinical trial wherein 17 were provided with 40 mg of Pravastatin once a day while the others were given a placebo for 8 weeks. The patients were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease prior to the study with ages between 34 to 42 years old. At the end of 6 weeks, the patients who took the drug showed a large improvement in terms of cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to the placebo group.
Pravastatin is readily available in doctor’s clinics, pharmacies and online drugstores. When ordering online, make sure that you only get from reliable and trusted sources. Check for verification to ensure that you get only quality and fresh products. Check the label as well for the manufacturing company, address and expiry date.
The dose for the drug may be increased by your doctor after 4 weeks. Do not take more than indicated and only take the next dose due if you forget instead of doubling the intake. Continue taking Pravastatin even if you already feel better and do not abruptly stop to avoid unusual symptoms. Store the medicine in a tightly sealed container away from children’s reach, moisture and sunlight.
Pravastatin has the following structural formula:
• Molecular formula of pravastatin is C23H36O7
• Chemical IUPAC Name is 3,5-dihydroxy-7-[6-hydroxy-2-methyl-8-(2-methylbutanoyloxy)-1,2,6, 7,8,8a-hexahydronaphthalen-1-yl]-heptanoic acid
• Molecular weight is 424.528 g/mol
• Pravastatin available : 10mg tablets, 20mg tablets, 40mg tablets, 80mg tablets
Brand name(s): Compactin, Elisor, Lipostat, Lovastatin, Mevacor, Mevalotin, Mevastatin, Mevinolin, Oliprevin, Pravachol, Pravaselect, Pravastatina, Pravastatine, Pravastatinum, Selectin, Selipran, Vasten
Review published on: 15 July 2008
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