Pravastatin
Pravastatin
Pravastatin (pronounced prəˈvæstətɪn) is a statin medication used to treat high cholesterol levels and to prevent cardiovascular disease. It is also known by its brand name, Pravachol.
Etymology
The term "Pravastatin" is derived from the chemical name Pravastatin Sodium, which is a sodium salt of pravastatin. The word "pravastatin" itself is a combination of "prava-", a prefix of unknown origin, and "-statin", a common suffix for drugs that inhibit cholesterol production in the liver.
Usage
Pravastatin is used to lower the levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). It is often prescribed as part of a treatment plan to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications in patients with high cholesterol, particularly those with a history of cardiovascular disease.
Mechanism of Action
Pravastatin works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By blocking this enzyme, pravastatin reduces the amount of cholesterol produced, thereby lowering the total amount of cholesterol in the blood.
Side Effects
Common side effects of pravastatin include headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, and muscle pain. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as liver damage, kidney failure, and rhabdomyolysis, a condition that leads to the breakdown of muscle tissue.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pravastatin
- Wikipedia's article - Pravastatin
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