PRAVASTATIN SODIUM

Pravastatin sodium is a lipid-lowering medication that belongs to the statin class of drugs. It works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, leading to a reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while modestly increasing HDL cholesterol.

Indications

-Primary hypercholesterolemia -Mixed dyslipidemia -Prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with or at risk of coronary heart disease -Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction or revascularization procedures

Dosage

-Primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia: Starting dose is 40 mg once daily, may be adjusted based on patient response and lipid levels, up to a maximum of 80 mg/day. -Prevention of cardiovascular events: 40 mg once daily, may be adjusted as necessary.

Contra-Indications

-Hypersensitivity to pravastatin or any component of the formulation -Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases -Pregnancy and lactation

Special Precautions

-Monitor liver function tests before and during treatment, particularly in patients with a history of liver disease or heavy alcohol use. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose adjustment may be necessary. -Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by malaise or fever, due to the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. -Consider temporary discontinuation of pravastatin in patients experiencing acute, serious conditions that predispose to renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis (e.g., sepsis, trauma, major surgery).

Side Effects

-Common: Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, fatigue. -Serious: Myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, liver enzyme abnormalities, jaundice, hypersensitivity reactions.

Drug Interactions

-Other lipid-lowering drugs (e.g., fibrates, niacin): Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. -Cyclosporine: Increased plasma concentration of pravastatin; consider dose adjustment. -Warfarin: Monitor INR closely as pravastatin may potentiate the effect of warfarin. -Macrolide antibiotics and azole antifungals: Increased risk of myopathy.