Pravastatin is used in the treatment of high cholesterol and high triglycerides.

Pravastatin is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL).

Headache, Stomach pain, Constipation, Muscle pain, Feeling sick, Weakness, Dizziness, Increased glucose level in blood

• Pravastatin lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL). It helps prevent heart attack and stroke.
• Pravastatin prevents one death in every 50 patients with heart disease treated over 4 to 5 years.
• It is better to take in the evening.
• In general, Pravastatin is safe. It may cause digestive problems like diarrhoea, gas. If any of these happen to you, take it with food.
• Notify your doctor if you are more tired than usual, do not feel hungry, or if you have yellow eyes, skin or dark urine.
• Notify your doctor if you experience muscle symptoms (pain or weakness), particularly if you have fever, a sick feeling or dark urine.
• Regular exercise and low-fat diet further help to lower levels of fat in the blood.

Ques. Q. Is pravastatin a statin drug/ statin/ blood thinner/ beta blocker/diuretic?
Pravastatin belongs to a class of medicines called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly called statins. It is not a blood thinner or a beta blocker or diuretic. It has no known effects on viscosity of blood, inhibiting beta receptors or increasing urine output

Ques. Q. Is pravastatin the same as atorvastatin/ simvastatin/ Crestor?
No. Pravastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin and rosuvastatin (Crestor) are different drugs belonging to same class of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or statins. They are different drugs with similar mechanism of action

Ques. Q. Can I take pravastatin with metformin/ aspirin/ ibuprofen/ Tylenol/ Tums/ Benadryl?
Pravastatin has no known harmful interaction with metformin, aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), Tums (antacids) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl

Ques. Q. Can I take pravastatin with niacin?
Concomitant use of pravastatin with niacin should be avoided due to increased risk of developing muscle related disorders (myopathy/rhabdomyolysis)

Ques. Q. Does Pravastatin cause diabetes?
Some studies suggest that statins like Pravastatin may increase blood glucose is patients who are at high risk of developing diabetes. However, it is not a reason to stop Pravastatin treatment in such patients

Ques. Q. Does Pravastatin cause erectile dysfunction/ gas/ liver damage/ headaches or makes you feel tired/ joint pain/ night sweats?
Erectile dysfunction, gas, liver damage (elevation in liver enzymes), headaches and unusual tiredness (fatigue) are among the known side effects of Pravastatin use. Joint pain and night sweats and not among the known side effects of Pravastatin use

Ques. Q. Does Pravastatin work?
Pravastatin is used to lower the risk of heart diseases and reduce high blood cholesterol.The effectiveness of Pravastatin may vary upon individual response

Ques. Q. Is Pravastatin safe to take?
Yes. Pravastatin is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration, as advised by your doctor.