Pravastatin

Mechanism :

HMG coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin).
Statins reduce cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) that is necessary for the production of cholesterol. In the blood, statins lower total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol as well as triglycerides. LDL cholesterol is believed to be an important cause of arteriosclerotic vascular disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels slows progression or reduces the size of cholesterol-containing plaques in the arteries of the heart and brain as well as other tissues. Statins also increase HDL ("good") cholesterol, and higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with reduced arteriosclerotic vascular disease. Raising HDL cholesterol levels may slow the progression of arteriosclerotic vascular disease.

Indication :

• Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Contraindications :

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, CK >10x ULN, Myopathy, persistent AST or ALT >3x ULN, unexplained Elevated LFTs, active Hepatic disease.

Dosing :

Adverse Effect :

Rare: Rhabdomyolysis, myopathy, acute renal failure, hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, hypersensitivity reaction, anaphylaxis, photosensitivity, dermatomyositis, lupus erythematosus, polymyalgia rheumatic, vasculitis, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Common reactions: Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, dyspepsia, myalgia, cough.

Interaction :

GLP-2 receptor agonist, OATP1B1 substrate, OATP1B3 substrate: GI absorption enhanced
Avoid/Use Alternative:
Colchicine, cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, red yeast, rifampin, telbivudine.

Renal Dose :

Hepatic Dose :