Pravastatin
General English name: Pravastatin
Application: Lowering cholesterol and other fats in the blood (including after organ transplantation) - to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
Drug forms of pravastatin
Provastatin Drug Information
Dosage and method of taking pravastatin
Contraindications to the use of pravastatin
Taking pravastatin during pregnancy and lactation
The effect of pravastatin on driving and working with machines
Drug interactions with pravastatin
Special warnings and precautions while taking pravastatin
Side effects of pravastatin
Overdose of pravastatin (drug poisoning)
Storage conditions of pravastatin
Drug forms of pravastatin
Tablet
Provastatin Drug Information
Pravastatin belongs to a group of drugs called statins (or HMG-COA reductase). These drugs reduce the amount of cholesterol made by the body; They do this by blocking the action of a specific enzyme needed to make cholesterol. As a result, the risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced. Some people are at risk for heart disease, and while their cholesterol levels are normal, pravastatin can reduce their risk.
Lipids or fats can be easily stored in your body and act as an energy source. Cholesterol is a type of fat that is made in your liver by the fatty foods you eat. When the concentration of cholesterol in your blood is high, it is called an increase in blood cholesterol. Although high blood cholesterol does not make you feel sick, it can be a problem if left untreated.
Elevated blood cholesterol can cause small pieces of fat called atheroma to form. This piece of fat becomes larger when excess fat builds up on the walls of blood vessels. Over time, atheroma can cause narrowing of blood vessels and hardening of the arteries (sometimes called "hardening of the arteries"). This atherosclerosis reduces blood flow through the arteries and increases the risk of a number of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke.
Dosage and method of taking pravastatin
Read the package leaflet carefully before starting treatment with Pravastatin. This brochure will help you to get comprehensive information about the drug and its possible side effects.
The dose and amount of pravastatin varies from person to person; Use the medicine exactly as your doctor advised. This medicine is available in different doses and your doctor will prescribe the right dose for you.
Take the medicine regularly and at a set time.
You can take pravastatin tablets with water before or after meals.
If you forget to take your daily dose at the right time but soon forget, take the medicine; But if you remember when the next dose is near the hour, do not take the missed dose. You should not take two doses of the medicine together because of the missed dose.
Contraindications to the use of pravastatin
- Note the expiration date of Pravastatin and do not take it if it has expired.
- Never give pravastatin to another person, even if you have the same symptoms.
- Check for drug interactions, and if you are taking a drug that interacts with this medication, talk to your doctor about using your medications.
Taking pravastatin during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, you should not use the drug arbitrarily without consulting your doctor. Medications can have devastating effects on the fetus or on yourself.
The effect of pravastatin on driving and working with machines
Pravastatin may cause blurred vision, fatigue or drowsiness, make sure you are alert before driving or operating machinery.
Drug interactions with pravastatin
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter and herbal medicines) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Some medications that may interact with pravastatin include gemfibrozil and colchicine.
When using pravastatin, do not use any red yeast rice products, as red yeast rice products may contain a type of statin called lovastatin. Note that taking pravastatin with products Red rice yeast can increase the risk of muscle and liver problems.
Special warnings and precautions while taking pravastatin
Some medications may not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking pravastatin:
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding.
- If you have any liver or kidney problems or diseases.
- If you have hypothyroidism.
- If you have unexplained muscle pain or problems.
- If you drink large amounts of alcohol regularly.
- If you are currently taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor's prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have a history of an allergic reaction to a drug.
Side effects of pravastatin
All medications can cause side effects. But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. Some of the side effects go away shortly after taking the medicine. In case of persistent side effects, the physician should be informed:
- Muscle pain, weakness and chills
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Feeling sick, indigestion, bloating
- Restless sleep, sexual problems, itchy urticaria, thinning hair, frequent urination, especially at night
- Blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness: Avoid driving and working with machinery in these situations.
- Important Note: Pravastatin is associated with more serious side effects in some people; Although this only rarely happens, tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- If you have any muscle cramps or pain, especially if you feel or feel pain in your legs, your body temperature is high (fever).
- If you feel short of breath or have an unexpected cough. This is because (in very rare cases) pravastatin may cause a condition called interstitial lung disease.
- If you have any allergic reactions such as swelling around the mouth or face or itchy skin.
- Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you feel are due to the use of pravastatin.
Overdose of pravastatin (drug poisoning)
Do not take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
If you feel that someone has a drug poisoning and you have symptoms such as shortness of breath or fainting (fainting), call the emergency room right away.
Storage conditions of pravastatin
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Store the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.