About pravastatin
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Used for
- Lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
- Reduces risk of heart attack and stroke
Usual adult dose
Usually 10–40 mg once daily; dose depends on cholesterol levels and treatment goals.
Usual dose in children
For familial high cholesterol, ages 8–13: usually 20 mg once daily; ages 14–18: usually 40 mg once daily.
Common side effects
- Muscle aches or weakness
- Headache
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Raised liver enzymes
Important warnings
- Rarely, can cause serious muscle injury or liver problems.
- Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with fever or feeling unwell.
- Not suitable during pregnancy; treatment is usually stopped if pregnancy occurs.
- Use caution with liver disease and heavy alcohol use.
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy; pravastatin is usually stopped when pregnancy is recognized.
Breastfeeding
Not recommended during breastfeeding because it may pass into breast milk.
Interactions
- Cyclosporine can increase pravastatin levels and muscle-injury risk.
- Some antibiotics, including clarithromycin, may increase muscle-related risks.
- Gemfibrozil and other fibrates can increase muscle-injury risk.
- Warfarin may require closer monitoring when pravastatin is started or changed.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.