Pravastatin
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sheng Shi, M.D. [2]
For patient information about Pravastatin, click here.
Synonyms / Brand Names: PRAVACHOL®
Overview
Pravastatin (marketed as Pravachol or Selektine) is a member of the drug class of statins, used in combination with diet, exercise, and weight-loss for lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Category
Statins,Bristol-Myers Squibb,Diols,Carboxylic acids,Carboxylate esters,Category:Naphthalenes,Cardiovascular Drugs.
FDA Package Insert
Indications and Usage | Dosage and Administration | Dosage Forms and Strengths | Contraindications | Warnings and Precautions | Adverse Reactions | Drug Interactions | Use in Specific Populations | Overdosage | Description | Clinical Pharmacology | Nonclinical Toxicology | Clinical Studies | How Supplied/Storage and Handling | Patient Counseling Information | Labels and Packages
Mechanism of Action
Pravastatin is a reversible inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an early and rate limiting step in the biosynthetic pathway for cholesterol. In addition, pravastatin reduces VLDL and TG and increases HDL-C.
Interaction with Alcohol
Caution should be exercised when pravastatin is administered to patients who are heavy users of alcohol.