Products
Pravastatin is commercially available in tablet form (Selipran, generics). It has been approved in many countries since 1990.
Structure and properties
Pravastatin (C23H36O7, Mr = 424.5 g/mol) is present in drugs as pravastatin sodium, a white to yellowish-white powder or crystalline powder that is readily soluble in water. It is not a prodrug, unlike other statins.
Effects
Pravastatin (ATC C10AA03) has lipid-lowering properties. It lowers LDL and triglycerides and increases HDL. Its effects are due to inhibition of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase and inhibition of the formation of cholesterol. It further has pleiotropic effects.
Indications
For treatment of dyslipidemia (primary hypercholesterolemia, combined hyperlipidemia), secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, and coronary artery disease in hypercholesterolemia.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Tablets are usually taken in the evening, independently of meals. The usual daily dose is between 10 to 40 mg.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Active liver disease
- Unclarified elevated liver enzymes
- Cholestasis
- Pregnancy and lactation
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Pravastatin, unlike other statins, interacts little with CYP450 and therefore has a lower interaction potential. Drug-drug interactions are possible with ciclsporine, ion-exchange resins, macrolides, fibrates, and azole antifungals.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include musculoskeletal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and headache. Statins can rarely cause muscle disease, life-threatening skeletal muscle breakdown, and liver damage.
