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Pronunciation

PRA-va-sta-tin

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: lipid-lowering agents

Pharmacologic Classification: hmg coa reductase inhibitors (statins)

Indications

REMS


Action

  • Inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, an enzyme responsible for catalyzing an early step in the synthesis of cholesterol.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Lowering of total cholesterol and LDL-C and triglycerides. Slightly increases HDL-C.
  • Slows the progression of coronary atherosclerosis with resultant decrease in coronary heart disease-related events.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Poorly and variably absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Extensively metabolized by the liver, most during first pass; excreted in bile and feces. 20% excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-Life: 1.3–2.7 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(cholesterol-lowering effect)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POdays2–4 wkunknown





Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: chest pain, peripheral edema

Derm: rash, pruritus

EENT: rhinitis

Endo: hyperglycemia

GI: abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, flatus, heartburn, altered taste, drug-induced hepatitis, dyspepsia, liver enzymes, nausea, pancreatitis

GU: erectile dysfunction

MS: arthralgia, arthritis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, myalgia, myositis, RHABDOMYOLYSIS

Neuro: amnesia, confusion, dizziness, headache, insomnia, memory loss, weakness

Resp: bronchitis

Misc: hypersensitivity reactions

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Renal Impairment

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Pravachol

Pill Image

PravastatinSodium_195-8986.jpg