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Back to Cardiology Drug index
Brand Name: Pravachol
Name: Pravastatin
Pregnancy Category X
Drug classes of Pravachol
Therapeutic actions of Pravachol
Inhibits the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the cholesterol
synthesis pathway, resulting in a decrease in serum cholesterol, serum
LDL's (the lipids associated with the development of
coronary artery disease),
and either an increase or no change in serum HDL's (the lipids associated
with decreased risk of
CAD).
Indications of Pravachol
As an adjunct to diet in the treatment of elevated total cholesterol
and LDL cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (types
IIa and IIb) whose response to dietary restriction of saturated fat and
cholesterol and other nonpharmacologic measures has not been adequate.
Contraindications/cautions of Pravachol
Contraindicated in the presence of allergy to Pravachol, fungal byproducts,
pregnancy, lactation.
Use caution in the presence of impaired hepatic function, cataracts.
Adverse effects of Pravachol
- CNS:
Headache, blurred vision,
dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, muscle cramps, cataracts
- GI: Flatulence,
abdominal pain, cramps,
constipation,
nausea,
dyspepsia, heartburn
- Hematologic: Elevations of
CPK,
alkaline phosphatase and
transaminiases
- Neuromuscular: Myopathy, rhabdomyolysis
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