PRAVASTATIN (Oral route) - PRA-va-stat-in.(Drug overview)

Brand names in the United States --

* Pravachol

Dosage forms --

* Tablet

Therapeutic classification: Antihyperlipidemic

Pharmacologic classification: HMG-COA Reductase Inhibitor

DESCRIPTION OF USE

Pravastatin is used together with proper diet to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood. Using this medicine may help prevent medical problems caused by such substances clogging the blood vessels. This medicine may also be used to prevent certain types of heart problems in patients with risk factors for heart problems .

Pravastatin belongs to the group of medicines called 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors. It works by blocking an enzyme that is needed by the body to make cholesterol, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood .

Pravastatin is available only with your doctor's prescription .

Before prescribing medicine for your condition, your doctor will probably try to control your condition by prescribing a personal diet for you. Such a diet may be low in fats, sugars, and/or cholesterol. Many people are able to control their condition by carefully following their doctor's orders for proper diet and exercise. Medicine is prescribed only when additional help is needed and is effective only when a schedule of diet and exercise is properly followed .

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following …