Pravastatin (Na)

Overview

Pravastatin (Na) is a lipid-lowering agent, belongs to the group of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors which includes fluvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin. More hydrophilic than the other members of this group unlike the others, pravastatin does not require hydrolysis for activation.Pravastatin (Na) is used for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia, and for primary prophylaxis of a myocardial infarction in patients with hypercholesterolemia who are at risk of a myocardial infarction. It was approved by the FDA in October 1991. It exerts it slipid lowering effects by inhibiting hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, an enzyme necessary for the intracellular synthesis of cholesterol. As a consequence of inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, intracellular synthesis of cholesterol is impaired. This, in turn, increases the clearance of circulating LDL. In addition, pravastatin inhibits hepatic synthesis of VLDL, the precursor for LDL. The result is a reduction of circulating total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

Categories

• 12 Cardiovascular drugs
  • 12.6 Lipid-regulating drugs /Anti-atheromas

Page headings

Primary Characterstics

Indications

Pharmacokinetics

Contraindications

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

Dosage

Pravastatin (Na)'s dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
10 to 40 mg	25 (25)	24 hourly	PO	At night.
Paedriatic Dosage (20kg)
				Not recommended in this age group
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
				Not recommended in this age group

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, and Neonates.

If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.

Warning / Precautions

Storage Conditions

Interference in Pathology

Brands / Trade Names of Pravastatin (Na)

Manufacturers of Pravastatin (Na) in Pakistan

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