Prevastin
Generic Name
Pravastatin
Manufacturer
Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
---|---|---|
prevastin 20 mg capsule | ৳ 5.00 | ৳ 50.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Prevastin (Pravastatin) is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. It works by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose 10-20 mg once daily, usually in the evening. May be adjusted up to 40 mg or rarely 80 mg daily depending on lipid levels and patient response. Usual range 10-40 mg.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment required; monitor renal function.
Renal_impairment
Initiate with 10 mg once daily, especially in severe impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min). Careful titration and monitoring.
How to Take
Take orally once daily, with or without food, preferably in the evening. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
Mechanism of Action
Pravastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme crucial for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This inhibition leads to a reduction in intrahepatic cholesterol, which in turn stimulates the synthesis of LDL receptors, increasing the clearance of LDL-cholesterol from the blood.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Lipid-lowering effects observed within 1-2 weeks, maximal effects typically within 4 weeks.
Excretion
Approximately 20% excreted in urine and 70% in feces, mainly as metabolites.
Half life
Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly but incompletely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; absolute bioavailability is about 17% due to significant first-pass metabolism.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver (not extensively via CYP450 enzymes) to inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Hypersensitivity to pravastatin or any component of the formulation.
Drug Interactions
Colchicine
Increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis.
Daptomycin
Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
Cyclosporine
Increased pravastatin exposure, leading to higher risk of myopathy. Limit pravastatin dose.
Niacin (Nicotinic acid)
Increased risk of muscle-related adverse events.
Fibrates (e.g., Gemfibrozil)
Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
No specific antidote. In case of overdose, supportive measures should be taken, and symptoms should be managed. Contact a poison control center or emergency services immediately.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pravastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category X) due to potential fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential should use adequate contraception. It is also contraindicated during lactation as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in infants.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Hypersensitivity to pravastatin or any component of the formulation.
Drug Interactions
Colchicine
Increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis.
Daptomycin
Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
Cyclosporine
Increased pravastatin exposure, leading to higher risk of myopathy. Limit pravastatin dose.
Niacin (Nicotinic acid)
Increased risk of muscle-related adverse events.
Fibrates (e.g., Gemfibrozil)
Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
No specific antidote. In case of overdose, supportive measures should be taken, and symptoms should be managed. Contact a poison control center or emergency services immediately.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pravastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category X) due to potential fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential should use adequate contraception. It is also contraindicated during lactation as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in infants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, refer to specific product packaging for exact date.
Availability
Available in pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by FDA and DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent, generic versions available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Pravastatin has been extensively studied in numerous large-scale clinical trials (e.g., WOSCOPS, CARE, PROSPER) demonstrating its efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events and mortality in various patient populations.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (ALT/AST) before treatment and periodically thereafter, especially with dose escalation.
- Lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides) to assess treatment efficacy.
- Creatine Kinase (CK) levels if muscle symptoms occur or before treatment in high-risk patients.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) along with medication.
- Regular monitoring of lipid profile and liver function is crucial.
- Counsel patients to report any muscle symptoms promptly.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Prevastin exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor immediately.
- Follow a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise program recommended by your doctor.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Prevastatin is generally not expected to impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or visual disturbances, avoid such activities until you are sure you can perform them safely.
Lifestyle Advice
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats.
- Engage in regular physical activity (e.g., 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week).
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
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