Pravastatin

Cholesterol

Also known as Pravachol

Pravastatin lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol by slowing down the cholesterol factory in your liver, which cuts your risk of heart attack and stroke over time. Its honest selling point: it interacts with fewer other medicines than most statins, so doctors often reach for it when someone takes a long list of pills. You won't feel it working — the payoff shows up in your blood test and your long-term odds.

How to take it

When

Once daily, often in the evening, exactly as prescribed. Same time each day helps you remember.

Food

With or without food — either works. Unlike some statins, grapefruit isn't a meaningful problem with pravastatin.

Avoid

Don't take it if you're pregnant or planning to be — statins aren't used in pregnancy. Heavy drinking is hard on your liver while you're on it.

Good to know

It works quietly over weeks. Stick with it even though you feel no different — stopping is what undoes the benefit.

Missed a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next one — then just skip it. Never take a double dose.

Common side effects

Muscle aches
Headache
Nausea or upset stomach
Dizziness
Cold-like symptoms

Call a doctor if

Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness — especially with fever or dark, cola-colored urine — call your doctor now. This can signal serious muscle breakdown.
Yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain in your upper right belly — possible liver trouble. Call your doctor right away.
Severe tiredness or weakness that doesn't make sense — call your doctor.
Rash, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing — get help now.

Educational only. This summary is drawn from public FDA labeling and MedlinePlus and simplified for readability. Your prescription label and your pharmacist always come first — doses and instructions vary from person to person.