Pravachol

Before taking any drug for any medical condition, make sure you know the do’s and don’ts of such drug. Taking drugs without proper consultation may bring you at health risk, especially if you don’t know your body is not right for such medicine.

One medicine that needs proper medical examination before intake is Pravachol. Pravachol has a generic name of Pravastatin. Pravachol is a drug used to treat and lower the cholesterol level in the blood especially in patients who are at high risk of having stroke or heart diseases. It should not be confused as a cure for those diseases. Pravachol prescription is given by doctors just for patients who cannot control their level of cholesterol content in their body through diet.

Before taking this medicine, you must first see your doctor or a health care specialist to see if you are fit to take Pravachol. The doctor will need to check you of any medical conditions such as: kidney disease, liver disease, certain types of infection, salt imbalance in the blood, under-active thyroid, diabetes, alcohol problem, hypotension or low blood pressure, severe injury, convulsion or seizures, muscle problems, recent surgical operation and certain allergies to food, preservatives, dyes, substances and Pravachol ingredients.

The doctor will also consider pregnancy and breast feeding. Some drugs can interact with Pravachol. If you take any medicines, inform you doctor about this medicine. An interaction with the Pravachol drug may cause harm to your body or may affect its treating benefits for your condition. Drugs that may interact with Pravachol include: gemfibrozil, cyclosporine, clofibrate, niacin, fenofibrate, digoxin, HIV protease inhibitors, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, verapamil, nefazodone and birth control pills.

Tell your doctor more about your other over the counter medication including herbal drugs, diet supplements and other cholesterol lowering drugs. The doctor must also be knowledgeable about your alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, use of caffeinated beverages and use of illegal drugs.

After the doctor checks and assesses your medical condition, the doctor will adjust a dosage of Pravachol for your medication. Be familiar with the instructions given to you by your doctor regarding the proper use of Pravachol. To get more information, read the Pravachol label. Take your Pravachol tablet whole. Follow up with a full glass of water so as not to upset your stomach. If your stomach gets upset, ask your doctor first if you can take your Pravachol tablet with your regular meal on your next dosing.

Avoid missing out on a single dose, if this happens make sure to catch up the soonest time you remember. If it is nearly time for the next schedule, you can just skip the missed dose and resume to the next dosing. Do not increase or decrease your dosage without the approval of your doctor.

On the average, adult patients must take 10 milligram to 40 milligram of Pravachol tablet one time a day preferably before going to bed. If your dosage does not match this, do not adjust your dosage as this is only based on average prescriptions.

Side effects of Pravachol range from less to more common. More common Pravachol side effects may not necessarily require immediate medical report. However if you feel intolerable with these, you may call your doctor right away. Less common side effects of Pravachol that need immediate medical attention include uncommon weakness or tiredness, skin irritation, skin rashes, yellowish discoloration of the eyes or the skin, blisters, peeling of the skin, reddening of the skin, muscle pain, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, low urine discharge, yellowish color of urine, fever and difficulty in excreting urine. More common side effects of Pravachol medication are headache, flu and dizziness.

It is best to regularly visit your doctor in order for you to know the progress of your medication and condition. Always eat a good and balanced diet.