What is pravastatin sodium?
Pravastatin sodium is the sodium salt of pravastatin. Before pravastatin is compressed into Pravachol tablets, it is first made into its existing salt form, which in the case of Pravachol, is sodium. If it wasn’t first turned into its salt form, it would not dissolve or absorb into the body very well and would therefore cause the medication to be less effective – if effective at all. So while pravastatin has beneficial effects, it must first be turned into its salt form (pravastatin sodium) in order for its benefits to work. To prevent confusion, pravastatin sodium is commonly referred to as just pravastatin. Pravastatin belongs to the drug class called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or “statins” for short.
What is pravastatin used for?
Pravastatin is most commonly used in patients with abnormal lipid levels, such as those with high cholesterol or triglycerides, but it may also be used for those with coronary heart disease and/or atherosclerosis. Pravastatin is used to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases; conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels, such as a heart attack or stroke.
How does pravastatin work?
Pravastatin works to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting a certain enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) responsible for the production of cholesterol in the liver; this will significantly slow the livers production of cholesterol and as a result, reduces the amount of cholesterol in the body, slows plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
When to take pravastatin?
Unless your doctor has instructed you to take the dose at a specific time of day, you may take your dose whenever is most convenient for you; however, it is suggested that you take your dose in the evening, and at the same time each day to ensure an even amount of the medication remains in your system. If you are unsure how or when to take this medication, contact your doctor as you need to have a clear understanding before proceeding with treatment.
Why do you have to take pravastatin at night?
It is widely suggested to take cholesterol medications at night as it may increase the efficacy of the medication. It is thought that your liver produces the most cholesterol during the night while you are asleep. Therefore, it is ideal to have the peak concentration of the drug reached at the same time that high cholesterol production is occurring. Since pravastatin has a short half-life (1-3 hours), the peak concentration of the drug is felt shortly after administration, therefore it is considered best to take before bed/in the evening.
What are the side effects of pravastatin?
Some common side effects of pravastatin may include muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache. These side effects should not alarm you; however, if they do not go away or become unmanageable, you should speak with your doctor.
What is the generic name for Pravachol?
The vast majority of generic medications are named after the active ingredient found in the brand-name medication that the generic is replicating. Pravastatin is the active ingredient found in Pravachol and is also the name of its generic alternative.
Who makes Pravachol?
Pravachol, the brand-name medication, is manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb, an American pharmaceutical company. The generic alternative, pravastatin, is manufactured by many generic manufacturing companies, such as TEVA Pharmaceuticals (India) and Biocon Ltd (Israel).