Pravastatin is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. Pravastatin blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

Pravastatin is used to reduce the amounts of LDL (bad) cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat), and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol) in your blood. These actions are important in reducing the risk of hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Pravastatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take this medication by mouth usually once daily with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you take this medication in combination with other cholesterol-lowering treatments (e.g., bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take your pravastatin at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after these drugs. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.

Headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, or stomach upset/pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: joint pain, muscle pain or weakness, fever, unusual tiredness, chest pain, swelling in the arms or legs, dizziness.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, change in the amount of urine, vision problems, black stool, severe stomach pain.

An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: liver problems. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart disease, kidney problems, eye problems (e.g., cataracts), thyroid problems, uncontrolled seizures, recent serious infection, recent major surgery, low blood pressure, alcohol use, any allergies (especially to other "statin" drugs).

Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects. Limit alcoholic beverages.

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is recommended that women of child-bearing age use effective birth control measures while taking this drug since atorvastatin may cause fetal harm. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Do not take pravastatin without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

* gemfibrozil (Lopid), clofibrate (Atromid-S), or fenofibrate (Tricor);

* erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin); or

You may not be able to take pravastatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pravastatin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature between 56 and 86 degrees F (13 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.