# Pravastatin Sodium (Pravachol)

Source: https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs/pravastatin-sodium
Data: FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA, refreshed periodically

## What is Pravastatin Sodium?

Pravastatin Sodium (brand name: Pravachol) is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin). It is prescribed to treat hypertriglyceridemia, coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia. Across the United States, 172,000 doctors prescribe Pravastatin to approximately 2.1 million Medicare patients, making it one of the 50 most prescribed drugs in America.

## Brand names

Pravachol

## Indications

Pravastatin Sodium is prescribed for several conditions including hypertriglyceridemia, coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia, among others.

## Conditions treated

- [Hypertriglyceridemia](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hypertriglyceridemia)
- [Coronary Artery Disease](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/coronary-artery-disease)
- [Hypercholesterolemia](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hypercholesterolemia)
- [Hyperlipoproteinemias](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hyperlipoproteinemias)

## Mechanism of action

Pravastatin is a reversible inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an early and rate limiting step in the biosynthetic pathway for cholesterol. In addition, pravastatin reduces VLDL and TG and increases HDL-C.

## Drug classification

- Established Pharmacologic Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
- Route of administration: ORAL

## Common side effects

anxiety, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, headache

## Sources and disclaimers

- FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA dataset
- This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

## Related

- [All drugs](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs)
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