Pravastatin Sodium
Pravastatin Sodium is a lipid-lowering medication that belongs to the class of statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). It is used to manage hyperlipidemia, prevent cardiovascular disease, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Mechanism of Action:
- Pravastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis.
- This leads to reduced cholesterol production in the liver and an upregulation of LDL receptors, increasing the clearance of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from the bloodstream.
- Recommended Usage
Indications:
- Primary hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels).
- Prevention of coronary heart disease in patients with risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes).
- Secondary prevention in patients with a history of myocardial infarction or established cardiovascular disease.
- Familial hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous form).
Dosage and Administration:
- Adults:
- Initial dose: 10–20 mg once daily, typically in the evening.
- Maximum dose: 40 mg once daily.
- Children (8–18 years): Dose adjustments based on age and weight, typically 10–20 mg daily.
- Renal or hepatic impairment: Start with a lower dose and adjust as needed.
Precautions:
- Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver function tests before starting therapy and periodically thereafter.
- Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis: Use caution in patients with predisposing factors (e.g., advanced age, renal impairment, or concomitant use of fibrates).
- Avoid in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in liver enzymes.
- Use with caution during pregnancy (category X) and breastfeeding.
Key Benefits:
- Effective LDL-C Reduction: Lowers LDL-C and total cholesterol levels significantly.
- Cardiovascular Protection: Reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke in at-risk patients.
- Renal Safety: Less likely to cause renal impairment compared to other statins.
- Tolerability: Fewer side effects, especially muscle-related, compared to some other statins.
