Pravastatin Sodium(prah va sta’ tin)
Apo-Pravastatin (CAN), CO Pravastatin (CAN), Gen-Pravastatin (CAN), Novo-Pravastatin (CAN), Nu-Pravastatin (CAN), PMS-Pravastatin (CAN), Pravachol, ratio-Pravastatin (CAN)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY X
Drug Classes
Antihyperlipidemic
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Therapeutic Actions
Inhibits the enzyme HMG-CoA that catalyzes the first step in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, resulting in a decrease in serum cholesterol, serum LDLs (associated with increased risk of CAD), and either an increase or no change in serum HDLs (associated with decreased risk of CAD).
Indications
Prevention of first MI and reduction of death from CV disease in patients with hypercholesterolemia at risk of first MI
Adjunct to diet in the treatment of elevated total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol with primary hypercholesterolemia (types IIa and IIb) in patients unresponsive to dietary restriction of saturated fat and cholesterol and other nonpharmacologic measures
Slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with clinically evident CAD to reduce the risk of acute coronary events and revascularization procedures in hypercholesterolemia patients
Reduce the risk of stroke or TIA in patients with history of MI and normal cholesterol levels
Reduce the risk of recurrent MI and death from heart disease in patients with history of MI and normal cholesterol levels
Treatment of children 8 yr and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia as an adjunct to diet and exercise
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to pravastatin, fungal byproducts, active liver disease, unexplained elevated serum transaminases, pregnancy, lactation.
Use cautiously with impaired hepatic function, cataracts, alcoholism.
Available Forms
Tablets—10, 20, 40, 80 mg
