What is prvastatin?
Pravastatin is a hydrophilic statin that is characterized by particularly few interactions with other drugs. It is NOT dismantled via the cytochrome P450 system, which makes it ideal for patients who take many other medicines.
Pravastatin was known as Pravastatin® and Pravasin® and is now widely available as a generic. In the major studies WOSCOPS and CARE, Pravastatin has demonstrated the effectiveness of statin therapy both in primary and secondary prevention.
Compared to Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin, the LDL lowering effect is more moderate, making Pravastatin an option for slightly to moderately increased cholesterol.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Pravastatin (als Natriumsalz)
Pravastatin inhibits cholesterol synthesis:
Active mechanism:
- Directly effective substance (no prodrug)
- inhibits HMG-CoA reductase
- Reduces hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis
- Compensatory LDL receptor high regulation
Lipid effect:
- LDL cholesterol: 20–35 % reduction
- Triglycerides: 10-15 % reduction
- HDL cholesterol: 3-8 % increase
Special features:
- Hydrophile: Low absorption in non-hepatic tissue (less muscle problems)
- NO CYP3A4-Metabolism → no interactions with CYP inhibitors
- No problem with grapefruit juice
- Is not dismantled via the Cytochrome P450 system
Initiation of action: LDL lowering measurable after 1–2 weeks. Maximum effect after 4 weeks.
Who is it suitable for?
Pravastatin is suitable for:
- Adults with hypercholesterinemia
- Primary prevention at increased cardiovascular risk
- secondary prevention after heart attack
- Patients with many accompanying medications
Especially recommended at:
- Polymedication (many simultaneous medications)
- When muscle problems occurred under lipophilic statins
- Organ transplantation (exchange with ciclosporin controllable)
- Light to moderate cholesterol increase
Not suitable:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Active liver disease
- If a strong LDL lowering (> 35 %) is required
Available Dosages
Start dose:
- 10–20 mg once a day
Other dose:
- 20–40 mg once a day
Maximum balances:
- 40 mg daily
Available starches:
- 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg tablets
LDL reduction after dose:
- 10 mg: approx. 20–25 %
- 20 mg: approx. 25–30 %
- 40 mg: approx. 30-35 %
Dosis adjustment:
- Kidney insufficiency: start dose 10 mg in severe kidney failure
- Liver failure: contraindicated with active disease
- Ciclosporin: Max. 20 mg Pravastatin
How to Take
Intake:
- Once a day, preferably in the evening (cholesterol synthesis at night highest)
- Independent meals
- Swallow tablet with water
Important notes:
- Regular laboratory control (leverages, lipid profile) after 4–12 weeks
- In case of muscle pain or dark urine: inform doctor
- No problem with grapefruit juice (other than Simvastatin/Atorvastatin)
- Alcohol in dimensions
For forgotten dose: Repeat if it's not too late a day. Next regular dose.
Contraindications
**Pravastatin must not be taken at:* *
- Active liver disease or unexplained transaminase increase
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Hypersensitivity to Pravastatin
Preview at:
- Kidney insufficiency (dose adjustment)
- Hypothyroidism
- Muscle diseases in history
- High alcohol consumption
- Simultaneous therapy with fibrates
pregnant: Contraindicated. Safe prevention required.
Possible Side Effects
Family (1–10 %):
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal complaints (abuse, diarrhea, bloating)
- muscle pain
- fatigue
** Occasionally (0.1-1 %):* *
- Squeeze
- Sleep disorders
- Skin rash
- visual disorders
Selten:
- Myopathy, Rhabdomyolysis (similar to lipophilic stamina)
- Hepatitis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Pancreatitis
General: Pravastatin is considered to be one of the best tolerated statistics. The hydrophilic nature reduces absorption in muscle cells, which theoretically leads to less muscle problems.
Interactions
Other advantage: Pravastatin is NOT mined via CYP3A4 or CYP2C9 → hardly any interactions with CYP inhibitors.
Preview at:
- Ciclosporin: Pravastatin max. 20 mg (increased mirror)
- Fibrates (Gemfibrozil): Increased myopathy risk
- Fusidic acid: Temporarily pausate statin
- Colchicin: Increased myopathy risk
No relevant interaction with:
- Grapefruit juice
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (Itraconazole, Erythromycin, Verapamil etc.)
- Amiodarone
- Diltiazem
** Pravastatin has the most favorable interaction profile of all statins and is therefore particularly suitable for patients who take many other medicines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is prvastatin right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.