PRAVASTATIN

Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation.

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Name: PRAVASTATIN
Class: Antilipemic Agent
Risk Factor:    XM

Fetal Risk Summary

Pravastatin is used to lower elevated levels of cholesterol. It has the same cholesterol-lowering mechanism (i.e., inhibition of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A [HMG-CoA] reductase) as some other agents in this class (e.g., see Fluvastatin, Lovastatin, and Simvastatin) and is structurally related to Lovastatin and Simvastatin.

Pravastatin was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits administered doses up to 240 times and 20 times, respectively, the human exposure based on surface area (HE) (1). Similarly, no adverse effects on fertility or reproductive performance were observed in rats with doses up to 120 times the HE (1).

No published reports describing the use of pravastatin during human pregnancy have been located. The Food and Drug Administration has received a single report of a fetal loss in a mother taking pravastatin, but further details are not available (F. Rosa, personal communication, FDA, 1995).

Because the interruption of cholesterol-lowering therapy during pregnancy should have no effect on the long-term treatment of hyperlipidemia, and because of the human data reported with another inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase (see Lovastatin), the use of pravastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding Summary

No reports describing the use of pravastatin during lactation have been located. The manufacturer reports that pravastatin is excreted into breast milk in small amounts (1). Because of the potential for adverse effects in the nursing infant, the drug should not be used during lactation.

Reference

  • Product information. Pravachol. Bristol-Myers Squibb, 2000.

    Index

    Q&A about Pravastatin

    big feller
    what is the difference between simvastatin and pravastatin?
    One of these genereic cholesterol lowering medicines is available at Walmart for $4.00 and the other is not.
    PharmD
    Both medications are in the same drug class and work by the same mechanism to lower cholesterol. However, simvastatin has a greater effect on lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides and increasing HDL (good cholesterol) than pravastatin. Simvastatin is also more likely to cause the rare but serious side effect of rhabdomyolysis because it is primarily eliminated by the liver where as pravastatin is excreted in the urine. You and your doctor will have to decide if the effects of pravastatin are enough based on how high your cholesterol is and any other health conditions you have.
    Ed
    What is the difference between Pravastatin and Simvistatin?
    ronmac60
    No difference. They both block the body's synthesis of cholestrerol and are used for patients who are risk with heart disease.

    You did make a small typo: Simvistatin is SIMVASTATIN

    Hope this is what you wanted
    Laura S
    What is the difference between Simvastatin & Pravastatin?
    telsacoi...
    drug interactions and generally how much they lower LDL and raise HDL. But they are both statins and do the same thing.
    Samsara
    My doctor put me on a drug called pravastatin,?
    later I was admitted to hospital with severe back pain, after tests the consultant discovered my liver was badly damanaged. It was caused by the pravastatin, my own doctor forgot to monitor me, will my liver get better I don't smoke or drink
    swordof_...
    We hope you feel better soon. Your doc was very irresponsible not monitoring you. Luckily for you the liver is a very clever organ and can heal itself. It's regeneration abilities are quite remarkable. I know this because I had to have more than half my liver removed after a car accident (34 yrs ago). I have a full-size liver now. Given time your liver should completely heal itself. It is good that you don't drink alcohol as this could have triggered other problems with your liver being delicate. Good luck in your future, and we hope you either see a different doctor or yours sorts out his monitoring skills. xx
    sweetjoe...
    my 'cholestrol' medication, (Pravastatin) has a 'use by' date on the pack. Is it still safe to use after that?
    Thanks for the Yahoo Jacket
    It looses it's potency after the expiration date.
    Joel J
    What is Pravastatin medication for?
    lpachal
    Chhaya05
    My question is can Pravastatin cause Kidney stones? ...?
    I have had kidney stones since Novemeber off and on , more on than off. I seem to be produceing many at one time. I went to ER last night and they found more. This all started after I got on Pravastatin. My question is can Pravastatin cause Kidney stones and it there any way besides drinking Lemon juice / Cranberry to get rid of these? I passed 3 this morning and I already know there are more. I can tell from pain in right kidney. I don't want to go back to hospital... they give me pain meds that make me feel like my head is going to blow off. (their answer for everything) Please someone out there with experience help! Maybe a natrual way...natrual herbs...?
    Sturm und Drang
    Kidney stones are not a side effect of taking pravastatin.

    Lemon juice and cranberry juice are not going to get rid of your kidney stones (not sure who told you this).

    You need to go back to your doctor if you want to treat these. If you do not want to be put on pain meds, then tell the doctors that. It's completely your choice if you want to suffer through the agony of kidney stones, which some have said are more painful than delivering a baby.
    margaret o
    i took two 80 mg pravastatin doses by mistake tonight. i'm very concerned should i seek medical attention.?
    knicname
    You may get nausea, headache or diarrhea, but I don't think you need medical attention.

    If you are concerned: call National Poison Hotline: 800-222-1222

    Good luck
    pitufres...
    Does anyone knows the pKa of pravastatin????
    Brian B
    The pKa of pravastatin is 4.7

    "SInce the pKa value of pravastatin is 4.7, about 90% of pravastatin exists as an ionized form at pH 5.5..."

    Ikumi Tamai, et al. "Proton-Cotransport of Pravastatin Across Intestinal Brush-Border Membrane" Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 12, No. 11, 1727-1732, (1995)