Pravastatin
Pravastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It works by inhibiting an enzyme involved in cholesterol production in the liver, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. It is commonly prescribed for patients with hyperlipidemia or those at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Pravastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medication that reduces cardiovascular risk by inhibiting an enzyme in the cholesterol synthesis pathway.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C10AA03
- RxNorm
- 42463
- Generic
- Pravastatin
- Class
- atc-c10
- Brands
- Pravachol
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Pravastatin is used to treat hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events in at-risk individuals.
Pravastatin reversibly inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, which is an early and rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. By reducing cholesterol production in the liver, it decreases LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
Common side effects include muscle pain, headache, and digestive issues. Patients should report unexplained muscle pain or weakness, as statins can rarely cause serious muscle damage. Liver function may be monitored during treatment. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy