Drug Uses
 

Pravachol is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) that is used for lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Pravachol also increases the high density Lipoprotien (HDL) in the body. HDL is also known as good cholesterol.

How it is taken

Pravachol can be taken by mouth with or without food.

Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. If you are taking bile–acid reducing resins (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol), then ensure that you take it one hour before a meal or 4 hours after it.

The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Pravachol then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
 

Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have low blood pressure, a muscle disease, a blood infection, a metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problem, uncontrolled seizures, a severe infection, had a recent surgery, trauma, or organ transplant, or a high level of a creatine phosphokinase in your blood, if you regularly consume large amounts of alcohol.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you have liver disease, abnormal liver tests or you are taking fibric acids (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate).

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Pravachol and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Pravachol is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Pravachol and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

If your doctor has prescribed a potassium supplement to you, then keep taking it according to the prescribed dosage.

may affect your blood sugar level and may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Pravachol before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Combine Pravachol with a good diet and exercise program to derive maximum benefits.

Periodic lab tests including liver function, kidney function, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol, may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
 

Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are common cold, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, flu–like symptoms, gas, headache, heartburn, muscle aches, nausea, pain, rash, runny nose, soar throat, stomach pain, tiredness, urination problems (difficult or painful urination. frequent urination, frequent urination at night), unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, yellowing of skin or eyes. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain, hoarseness, muscle cramps, muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially when associated with fever and a general feeling of discomfort), sore throat, swelling of hands, eyes, or throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.