Pravastatin is a cholesterol lowering drug that works like Atorvastatin, which is primarily by blocking the enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis, especially in the liver, and hence reduces cholesterol levels. It is the first-line medication used for hypercholesterolaemia or hyperlipidemia (elevated blood cholesterol).
The detailed indications of Pravastatin include:
Pravastatin is available as tablets to be taken orally, and is often combined with sodium salts. The adult dose range of Pravastatin is 10 to 40 mg once daily. The maximum daily dose is 80 mg per day. The dose of Pravastatin is adjusted based on your cholesterol level by your doctor at least every 4 weeks. Usually, a lower dose is used in Asian population.
The most common side effects of Pravastatin are muscle pain, muscle weakness, and shoulder pain. Rare side effects include an increased risk of diabetes, cognitive impairment (inability to focus or remember) and rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown).
Common dosing schedule:
You can take Pravastatin once a day with or without food usually in the evening. Take the drug at the same time every day.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Pravastatin may interact with:
In Hong Kong, Pravastatin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Pravastatin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!