Pravastatin Information
Pravastatin () Description
Pravastatin () sodium tablets USP are one of a class of lipid-lowering compounds, the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, which reduce cholesterol biosynthesis. These agents are competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the enzyme catalyzing the early rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis, conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate.
Pravastatin () sodium USP is designated chemically as 1-Naphthalene-heptanoic acid, 1,2,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-b,d,6-trihydroxy-2-methyl-8-(2-methyl-1-oxobutoxy)-, monosodium salt,[1S-[1a (bS*,dS*),2a,6a,8b(R*),8aa]]-. Structural formula:
C23H35NaO7 MW 446.52
Pravastatin () sodium USP is an odorless, white to off-white, fine or crystalline powder. It is a relatively polar hydrophilic compound with a partition coefficient (octanol/water) of 0.59 at a pH of 7.0. It is soluble in methanol and water (>300 mg/mL), slightly soluble in isopropanol, and practically insoluble in acetone, acetonitrile, chloroform, and ether.
Pravastatin () sodium tablets USP are available for oral administration as 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg or 80 mg tablets. Inactive ingredients include: croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, meglumine, microcelac 100 (lactose monohydrate and microcrystalline cellulose), microcrystalline cellulose, opadry white YS-1-7040 (hypromellose 2910, polyethylene glycol 8000, talc, and titanium dioxide).
Pravastatin () Clinical Pharmacology
Cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream circulate as part of lipoprotein complexes. These complexes can be separated by density ultracentrifugation into high (HDL), intermediate (IDL), low (LDL), and very low (VLDL) density lipoprotein fractions. Triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol synthesized in the liver are incorporated into very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) and released into the plasma for delivery to peripheral tissues. In a series of subsequent steps, VLDLs are transformed into intermediate density lipoproteins (IDLs), and cholesterol-rich low density lipoproteins (LDLs). High density lipoproteins (HDLs), containing apolipoprotein A, are hypothesized to participate in the reverse transport of cholesterol from tissues back to the liver.
Pravastatin () sodium produces its lipid-lowering effect in two ways. First, as a consequence of its reversible inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase activity, it effects modest reductions in intracellular pools of cholesterol. This results in an increase in the number of LDL-receptors on cell surfaces and enhanced receptor-mediated catabolism and clearance of circulating LDL. Second, Pravastatin () inhibits LDL production by inhibiting hepatic synthesis of VLDL, the LDL precursor.
Clinical and pathologic studies have shown that elevated levels of total cholesterol (Total-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B — a membrane transport complex for LDL) promote human atherosclerosis. Similarly, decreased levels of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and its transport complex, apolipoprotein A, are associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Epidemiologic investigations have established that cardiovascular morbidity and mortality vary directly with the level of Total-C and LDL-C and inversely with the level of HDL-C. Like LDL, cholesterol-enriched triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, including VLDL, IDL, and remnants, can also promote atherosclerosis. Elevated plasma TG are frequently found in a triad with low HDL-C levels and small LDL particles, as well as in association with non-lipid metabolic risk factors for coronary heart disease. As such, total plasma TG has not consistently been shown to be an independent risk factor for CHD. Furthermore, the independent effect of raising HDL or lowering TG on the risk of coronary and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined. In both normal volunteers and patients with hypercholesterolemia, treatment with Pravastatin () sodium tablets reduced Total-C, LDL-C, and apolipoprotein B. Pravastatin () sodium also reduced VLDL-C and TG and produced increases in HDL-C and apolipoprotein A. The effects of Pravastatin () on Lp (a), fibrinogen, and certain other independent biochemical risk markers for coronary heart disease are unknown. Although Pravastatin () is relatively more hydrophilic than other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, the effect of relative hydrophilicity, if any, on either efficacy or safety has not been established.
In one primary (West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study – WOS)1 prevention study, Pravastatin () has been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality across a wide range of cholesterol levels (see ).
Pravastatin () Clinical Studies
Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease
In the Pravastatin () sodium tablets Primary Prevention Study (West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study – WOS) 1 , the effect of Pravastatin () sodium on fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease (CHD) was assessed in 6595 men 45–64 years of age, without a previous myocardial infarction (MI), and with LDL-C levels between 156–254 mg/dL (4–6.7 mmol/L). In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients were treated with standard care, including dietary advice, and either Pravastatin () sodium tablet 40 mg daily (N=3302) or placebo (N=3293) and followed for a median duration of 4.8 years. Median (25th, 75th percentile) percent changes from baseline after 6 months of Pravastatin () treatment in Total C, LDL-C, TG, and HDL-C were -20.3 (-26.9, -11.7), -27.7 (-36.0, -16.9), -9.1 (-27.6, 12.5), and 6.7 (-2.1, 15.6), respectively.
Pravastatin () sodium significantly reduced the rate of first coronary events (either coronary heart disease [CHD] death or nonfatal MI) by 31% [248 events in the placebo group (CHD death=44, nonfatal MI=204) vs 174 events in the Pravastatin () sodium group (CHD death=31, nonfatal MI=143), p=0.0001 (see below)]. The risk reduction with Pravastatin () sodium was similar and significant throughout the entire range of baseline LDL cholesterol levels. This reduction was also similar and significant across the age range studied with a 40% risk reduction for patients younger than 55 years and a 27% risk reduction for patients 55 years and older. The Pravastatin () sodium Primary Prevention Study included only men and therefore it is not clear to what extent these data can be extrapolated to a similar population of female patients.
Pravastatin () sodium also significantly decreased the risk for undergoing myocardial revascularization procedures (coronary artery bypass graft [CABG] surgery or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty [PTCA]) by 37% (80 vs 51 patients, p=0.009) and coronary angiography by 31% (128 vs 90, p=0.007). Cardiovascular deaths were decreased by 32% (73 vs 50, p=0.03) and there was no increase in death from non-cardiovascular causes.
Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events
In the Pravastatin () sodium Limitation of Atherosclerosis in the Coronary Arteries (PLAC I)4 study, the effect of Pravastatin () therapy on coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by coronary angiography in patients with coronary disease and moderate hypercholesterolemia (baseline LDL-C range = 130-190 mg/dL). In this double-blind, multicenter, controlled clinical trial angiograms were evaluated at baseline and at three years in 264 patients. Although the difference between Pravastatin () and placebo for the primary endpoint (per-patient change in mean coronary artery diameter) and one of two secondary endpoints (change in percent lumen diameter stenosis) did not reach statistical significance, for the secondary endpoint of change in minimum lumen diameter, statistically significant slowing of disease was seen in the Pravastatin () treatment group (p=0.02).
In the Regression Growth Evaluation Statin Study (REGRESS)5 , the effect of Pravastatin () on coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by coronary angiography in 885 patients with angina pectoris, angiographically documented coronary artery disease and hypercholesterolemia (baseline total cholesterol range = 160-310 mg/dL). In this double-blind, multicenter, controlled clinical trial, angiograms were evaluated at baseline and at two years in 653 patients (323 treated with Pravastatin () ). Progression of coronary atherosclerosis was significantly slowed in the Pravastatin () group as assessed by changes in mean segment diameter (p=0.037) and minimum obstruction diameter (p=0.001).
Analysis of pooled events from PLAC I, the Pravastatin () sodium , Lipids and Atherosclerosis in the Carotids Study (PLAC II)6, REGRESS, and the Kuopio Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (KAPS)7 (combined N=1891) showed that treatment with Pravastatin () was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the composite event rate of fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction (46 events or 6.4% for placebo versus 21 events or 2.4% for Pravastatin () , p=0.001). The predominant effect of Pravastatin () was to reduce the rate of nonfatal myocardial infarction.
Primary Hypercholesterolemia (Fredrickson Type IIa and IIb)
Pravastatin () sodium is highly effective in reducing Total-C, LDL-C and Triglycerides (TG) in patients with heterozygous familial, presumed familial combined and non-familial (non-FH) forms of primary hypercholesterolemia, and mixed dyslipidemia. A therapeutic response is seen within 1 week, and the maximum response usually is achieved within 4 weeks. This response is maintained during extended periods of therapy. In addition, Pravastatin () sodium is effective in reducing the risk of acute coronary events in hypercholesterolemic patients with and without previous myocardial infarction.
A single daily dose is as effective as the same total daily dose given twice a day. In multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of patients with primary hypercholesterolemia, treatment with Pravastatin () in daily doses ranging from 10 mg to 40 mg consistently and significantly decreased Total-C, LDL-C, TG, and Total-C/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios (see ).
In a pooled analysis of two multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of patients with primary hypercholesterolemia, treatment with Pravastatin () at a daily dose of 80 mg (N = 277) significantly decreased Total-C, LDL-C, and TG. The 25th and 75th percentile changes from
baseline in LDL-C for Pravastatin () 80 mg were -43% and -30%. The efficacy results of the individual studies were consistent with the pooled data (see ).
In another clinical trial, patients treated with Pravastatin () in combination with cholestyramine (70% of patients were taking cholestyramine 20 or 24 g per day) had reductions equal to or greater than 50% in LDL-C. Furthermore, Pravastatin () attenuated cholestyramine-induced increases in TG levels (which are themselves of uncertain clinical significance).
Hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson Type IV)
Dysbetalipoproteinemia (Fredrickson Type III)
Pediatric Clinical Study
A double-blind placebo-controlled study in 214 patients (100 boys and 114 girls) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), aged 8-18 years was conducted for two (2) years. The children (aged 8-13 years) were randomized to placebo (n=63) or 20 mg of Pravastatin () daily (n=65) and the adolescents (aged 14-18 years) were randomized to placebo (n=45) or 40 mg of Pravastatin () daily (n=41). Inclusion in the study required an LDL-C level >95th percentile for age and sex and one parent with either a clinical or molecular diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia. The mean baseline LDL-C value was 239 mg/dL and 237 mg/dL in the Pravastatin () (range: 151-405 mg/dL) and placebo (range: 154-375 mg/dL) groups, respectively.
* The above least-squares mean values were calculated based on log-transformed lipid values.
** Significant at p≤0.0001 when compared with placebo
The mean achieved LDL-C was 186 mg/dL (range: 67-363 mg/dL) in the Pravastatin () group compared to 236 mg/dL (range: 105-438 mg/dL) in the placebo group.
The safety and efficacy of Pravastatin () doses above 40 mg daily have not been studied in children. The long-term efficacy of Pravastatin () therapy in childhood to reduce morbidity and mortality in adulthood has not been established.
Pravastatin () Indications And Usage
Therapy with Pravastatin () sodium tablets should be considered in those individuals at increased risk for atherosclerosis-related clinical events as a function of cholesterol level, the presence or absence of coronary heart disease, and other risk factors.
In hypercholesterolemic patients without clinically evident coronary heart disease, Pravastatin () sodium tablets are indicated to:
– Reduce the risk of myocardial infarction
– Reduce the risk of undergoing myocardial revascularization procedures
Pravastatin () sodium tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated Total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and TG levels and to increase HDL-C in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson Type IIa and IIb).2
Pravastatin () sodium tablets are indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for the treatment of patients with elevated serum triglyceride levels (Fredrickson Type IV).
Pravastatin () sodium tablets are indicated for the treatment of patients with primary dysbetalipoproteinemia (Fredrickson Type III) who do not respond adequately to diet.
Pravastatin () sodium tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and lifestyle modification for treatment of HeFH in children and adolescent patients ages 8 years and older if after an adequate trial of diet the following findings are present:
1 LDL-C remains ≥ 190 mg/dL or
2 LDL-C remains ≥ 160 mg/dL and:
Lipid-altering agents should be used in addition to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol when the response to diet and other nonpharmacological measures alone has been inadequate (see below).
Prior to initiating therapy with Pravastatin () , secondary causes for hypercholesterolemia (e.g., poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemias, obstructive liver disease, other drug therapy, alcoholism) should be excluded, and a lipid profile performed to measure Total-C, HDL-C, and TG. For patients with triglycerides (TG)
LDL-C = Total-C - HDL-C - 1/5 TG
For TG levels >400 mg/dL (>4.5 mmol/L), this equation is less accurate and LDL-C concentrations should be determined by ultracentrifugation. In many hypertriglyceridemic patients, LDL-C may be low or normal despite elevated Total-C. In such cases, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are not indicated.
Lipid determinations should be performed at intervals of no less than four weeks and dosage adjusted according to the patient’s response to therapy.
The National Cholesterol Education Program’s Treatment Guidelines are summarized below:
After the LDL-C goal has been achieved, if the TG is still ³200 mg/dL, non-HDL-C (Total-C minus HDL-C) becomes a secondary target of therapy. Non-HDL-C goals are set 30 mg/dL higher than LDL-C goals for each risk category.
At the time of hospitalization for an acute coronary event, consideration can be given to initiating drug therapy at discharge if the LDL-C is ³130 mg/dL (see above).
Since the goal of treatment is to lower LDL-C, the NCEP recommends that LDL-C levels be used to initiate and assess treatment response. Only if LDL-C levels are not available, should the Total-C be used to monitor therapy.
As with other lipid-lowering therapy, Pravastatin () sodium tablets are not indicated when hypercholesterolemia is due to hyperalphalipoproteinemia (elevated HDL-C).
The NCEP classification of cholesterol levels in pediatric patients with a familial history of hypercholesterolemia or premature cardiovascular disease is summarized below:
Pravastatin () Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication.
Active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations of serum transaminases (see ).
Pravastatin () Warnings
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, like some other lipid-lowering therapies, have been associated with biochemical abnormalities of liver function. In placebo-controlled clinical trials (see ), subjects were exposed to Pravastatin () or placebo. In an analysis of serum transaminase values (ALT, AST), incidences of marked abnormalities were compared between the Pravastatin () and placebo treatment groups; a marked abnormality was defined as a post-treatment test value greater than three times the upper limit of normal for subjects with pretreatment values less than or equal to the upper limit of normal, or four times the pretreatment value for subjects with pretreatment values greater than the upper limit of normal but less than 1.5 times the upper limit of normal. Marked abnormalities of ALT or AST occurred with similar low frequency (£1.2%) in both treatment groups. Overall, clinical trial experience showed that liver function test abnormalities observed during Pravastatin () therapy were usually asymptomatic, not associated with cholestasis, and did not appear to be related to treatment duration. In a 320-patient placebo-controlled clinical trial, subjects with chronic (>6 months) stable liver disease, due primarily to hepatitis C or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, were treated with 80 mg Pravastatin () or placebo for up to 9 months. The primary safety endpoint was the proportion of subjects with at least one ALT ≥2 times the upper limit of normal for those with normal ALT (≤ the upper limit of normal) at baseline or a doubling of the baseline ALT for those with elevated ALT (> the upper limit of normal) at baseline. By Week 36, 12 out of 160 (7.5%) subjects treated with Pravastatin () met the prespecified safety ALT endpoint compared to 20 out of 160 (12.5%) subjects receiving placebo. Conclusions regarding liver safety are limited since the study was not large enough to establish similarity between groups (with 95% confidence) in the rates of ALT elevation.
Active liver disease or unexplained persistent transaminase elevations are contraindications to the use of Pravastatin () (see ). Caution should be exercised when Pravastatin () is administered to patients who have a recent (
Patients who develop increased transaminase levels or signs and symptoms of active liver disease while taking Pravastatin () should be evaluated with a second liver function evaluation to confirm the finding and be followed thereafter with frequent liver function tests until the abnormality(ies) return to normal. Should an increase in AST or ALT of three times the upper limit of normal or greater persist, withdrawal of Pravastatin () therapy is recommended.
The risk of myopathy during treatment with another HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is increased with concurrent therapy with either erythromycin, cyclosporine, niacin, or fibrates. However, neither myopathy nor significant increases in CPK levels have been observed in three reports involving a total of 100 post-transplant patients (24 renal and 76 cardiac) treated for up to two years concurrently with Pravastatin () 10-40 mg and cyclosporine. Some of these patients also received other concomitant immunosuppressive therapies. Further, in clinical trials involving small numbers of patients who were treated concurrently with Pravastatin () and niacin, there were no reports of myopathy. Also, myopathy was not reported in a trial of combination Pravastatin () (40 mg/day) and gemfibrozil (1200 mg/day), although 4 of 75 patients on the combination showed marked CPK elevations versus one of 73 patients receiving placebo. There was a trend toward more frequent CPK elevations and patient withdrawals due to musculoskeletal symptoms in the group receiving combined treatment as compared with the groups receiving placebo, gemfibrozil, or Pravastatin () monotherapy (see ).
Pravastatin () Precautions
Pravastatin () sodium may elevate creatine phosphokinase and transaminase levels (see ). This should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chest pain in a patient on therapy with Pravastatin () .
Renal Insufficiency
Information for Patients
Patients should be advised to report promptly unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever (see ).
Immunosuppressive Drugs, Gemfibrozil, Niacin (Nicotinic Acid), Erythromycin:See .
Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors and data indicate that Pravastatin () is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 to a clinically significant extent. This has been shown in studies with known cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (see and below). Other examples of cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors include ketoconazole, mibefradil, and erythromycin.
Diltiazem: Steady-state levels of diltiazem (a known, weak inhibitor of P450 3A4) had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of Pravastatin () . In this study, the AUC and C of another HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor which is known to be metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 increased by factors of 3.6 and 4.3, respectively.
Itraconazole: The mean AUC and C for Pravastatin () were increased by factors of 1.7 and 2.5, respectively, when given with itraconazole (a potent P450 3A4 inhibitor which also inhibits p-glycoprotein transport) as compared to placebo. The mean t½ was not affected by itraconazole, suggesting that the relatively small increases in C and AUC were due solely to increased bioavailability rather than a decrease in clearance, consistent with inhibition of p-glycoprotein transport by itraconazole. This drug transport system is thought to affect bioavailability and excretion of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including Pravastatin () . The AUC and C of another HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor which is known to be metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 increased by factors of 19 and 17, respectively, when given with itraconazole.
Antipyrine:Since concomitant administration of Pravastatin () had no effect on the clearance of antipyrine, interactions with other drugs metabolized via the same hepatic cytochrome isozymes are not expected.
Cholestyramine/Colestipol:Concomitant administration resulted in an approximately 40 to 50% decrease in the mean AUC of Pravastatin () . However, when Pravastatin () was administered 1 hour before or 4 hours after cholestyramine or 1 hour before colestipol and a standard meal, there was no clinically significant decrease in bioavailability or therapeutic effect. (See .)
Warfarin:Concomitant administration of 40 mg Pravastatin () had no clinically significant effect on prothrombin time when administered in a study to normal elderly subjects who were stabilized on warfarin.
Cimetidine:The AUC for Pravastatin () when given with cimetidine was not significantly different from the AUC for Pravastatin () when given alone. A significant difference was observed between the AUC’s for Pravastatin () when given with cimetidine compared to when administered with antacid.
Digoxin:In a crossover trial involving 18 healthy male subjects given 20 mg Pravastatin () and 0.2 mg digoxin concurrently for 9 days, the bioavailability parameters of digoxin were not affected. The AUC of Pravastatin () tended to increase, but the overall bioavailability of Pravastatin () plus its metabolites SQ 31,906 and SQ 31,945 was not altered.
Cyclosporine:Some investigators have measured cyclosporine levels in patients on Pravastatin () (up to 20 mg), and to date, these results indicate no clinically meaningful elevations in cyclosporine levels. In one single-dose study, Pravastatin () levels were found to be increased in cardiac transplant patients receiving cyclosporine.
Gemfibrozil:In a crossover study in 20 healthy male volunteers given concomitant single doses of Pravastatin () and gemfibrozil, there was a significant decrease in urinary excretion and protein binding of Pravastatin () . In addition, there was a significant increase in AUC, C, and T for the Pravastatin () metabolite SQ 31,906. Combination therapy with Pravastatin () and gemfibrozil is generally not recommended. (See .)
In interaction studies with (1 hour prior to Pravastatin () ), or , no statistically significant differences in bioavailability were seen when Pravastatin () sodium was administered.
Endocrine Function
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors interfere with cholesterol synthesis and lower circulating cholesterol levels and, as such, might theoretically blunt adrenal or gonadal steroid hormone production. Results of clinical trials with Pravastatin () in males and postmenopausal females were inconsistent with regard to possible effects of the drug on basal steroid hormone levels. In a study of 21 males, the mean testosterone response to human chorionic gonadotropin was significantly reduced (p
In a placebo-controlled study of 214 pediatric patients with HeFH, of which 106 were treated with Pravastatin () (20 mg in the children aged 8-13 years and 40 mg in the adolescents aged 14-18 years) for two years, there were no detectable differences seen in any of the endocrine parameters [ACTH, cortisol, DHEAS, FSH, LH, TSH, estradiol (girls) or testosterone (boys)] relative to placebo. There were no detectable differences seen in height and weight changes, testicular volume changes, or Tanner score relative to placebo.
CNS Toxicity
CNS vascular lesions, characterized by perivascular hemorrhage and edema and mononuclear cell infiltration of perivascular spaces, were seen in dogs treated with Pravastatin () at a dose of 25 mg/kg/day. These effects in dogs were observed at approximately 59 times the human dose of 80 mg/day, based on AUC. Similar CNS vascular lesions have been observed with several other drugs in this class.
A chemically similar drug in this class produced optic nerve degeneration (Wallerian degeneration of retinogeniculate fibers) in clinically normal dogs in a dose-dependent fashion starting at 60 mg/kg/day, a dose that produced mean plasma drug levels about 30 times higher than the mean drug level in humans taking the highest recommended dose (as measured by total enzyme inhibitory activity). This same drug also produced vestibulocochlear Wallerian-like degeneration and retinal ganglion cell chromatolysis in dogs treated for 14 weeks at 180 mg/kg/day, a dose which resulted in a mean plasma drug level similar to that seen with the 60 mg/kg/day dose.
In a 2-year study in rats fed Pravastatin () at doses of 10, 30, or 100 mg/kg body weight, there was an increased incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas in males at the highest dose (p
In a 2-year study in mice fed Pravastatin () at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg/day, there was an increased incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas in males and females at both 250 and 500 mg/kg/day (p
No evidence of mutagenicity was observed , with or without rat-liver metabolic activation, in the following studies: microbial mutagen tests, using mutant strains of or ; a forward mutation assay in L5178Y TK +/- mouse lymphoma cells; a chromosomal aberration test in hamster cells; and a gene conversion assay using . In addition, there was no evidence of mutagenicity in either a dominant lethal test in mice or a micronucleus test in mice.
In a study in rats, with daily doses up to 500 mg/kg, Pravastatin () did not produce any adverse effects on fertility or general reproductive performance. However, in a study with another HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, there was decreased fertility in male rats treated for 34 weeks at 25 mg/kg body weight, although this effect was not observed in a subsequent fertility study when this same dose was administered for 11 weeks (the entire cycle of spermatogenesis, including epididymal maturation). In rats treated with this same reductase inhibitor at 180 mg/kg/day, seminiferous tubule degeneration (necrosis and loss of spermatogenic epithelium) was observed. Although not seen with Pravastatin () , two similar drugs in this class caused drug-related testicular atrophy, decreased spermatogenesis, spermatocytic degeneration, and giant cell formation in dogs. The clinical significance of these findings is unclear.
Pregnancy Category X.
See .
Safety in pregnant women has not been established. Pravastatin () was not teratogenic in rats at doses up to 1000 mg/kg daily or in rabbits at doses of up to 50 mg/kg daily. These doses resulted in 10X (rabbit) or 120X (rat) the human exposure based on surface area (mg/meter). Rare reports of congenital anomalies have been received following intrauterine exposure to other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. In a review of approximately 100 prospectively followed pregnancies in women exposed to simvastatin or lovastatin, the incidences of congenital anomalies, spontaneous abortions and fetal deaths/stillbirths did not exceed what would be expected in the general population. The number of cases is adequate only to exclude a three-to-four-fold increase in congenital anomalies over the background incidence. In 89% of the prospectively followed pregnancies, drug treatment was initiated prior to pregnancy and was discontinued at some point in the first trimester when pregnancy was identified. As safety in pregnant women has not been established and there is no apparent benefit to therapy with Pravastatin () during pregnancy (see ), treatment should be immediately discontinued as soon as pregnancy is recognized. Pravastatin () sodium should be administered to women of child-bearing potential only when such patients are highly unlikely to conceive and have been informed of the potential hazards.
The safety and effectiveness of Pravastatin () sodium in children and adolescents from 8-18 years of age have been evaluated in a placebo-controlled study of 2 years duration. Patients treated with Pravastatin () had an adverse experience profile generally similar to that of patients treated with placebo with influenza and headache commonly reported in both treatment groups. (See) Children and adolescent females of childbearing potential should be counseled on appropriate contraceptive methods while on Pravastatin () therapy (see and ).For dosing information see
Double-blind, placebo-controlled Pravastatin () studies in children less than 8 years of age have not been conducted.
The beneficial effect of Pravastatin () in elderly subjects in reducing cardiovascular events and in modifying lipid profiles was similar to that seen in younger subjects. The adverse event profile in the elderly was similar to that in the overall population. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses to Pravastatin () between elderly and younger patients.
Mean Pravastatin () AUCs are slightly (25-50%) higher in elderly subjects than in healthy young subjects, but mean C, T and t values are similar in both age groups and substantial accumulation of Pravastatin () would not be expected in the elderly (see ).
Pravastatin () Adverse Reactions
Pravastatin () is generally well tolerated; adverse reactions have usually been mild and transient. In 4-month long placebo-controlled trials, 1.7% of Pravastatin () -treated patients and 1.2% of placebo-treated patients were discontinued from treatment because of adverse experiences attributed to study drug therapy; this difference was not statistically significant. (See also section).
Short-Term Controlled Trials
* Statistically significantly different from placebo.
The safety and tolerability of Pravastatin () sodium at a dose of 80 mg in two controlled trials with a mean exposure of 8.6 months was similar to that of Pravastatin () at lower doses except that 4 out of 464 patients taking 80 mg of Pravastatin () had a single elevation of CK >10X ULN compared to 0 out of 115 patients taking 40 mg of Pravastatin () .
Long-Term Controlled Morbidity and Mortality Trials
Adverse event data were pooled from several double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (e.g.,West of Scotland Coronary Prevention study [WOS]; Pravastatin () Limitation of Atherosclerosis in the Coronary Arteries study [PLAC I]; Pravastatin () , Lipids and Atherosclerosis in the Carotids study
Events of probable, possible, or uncertain relationship to study drug that occurred in
Postmarketing Experience
In addition to the events reported above, as with other drugs in this class, the following events have been reported rarely during postmarketing experience with Pravastatin () , regardless of causality assessment:
Increases in serum transaminase (ALT, AST) values and CPK have been observed (see ).
Transient, asymptomatic eosinophilia has been reported. Eosinophil counts usually returned to normal despite continued therapy. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
Pravastatin () has been administered concurrently with cholestyramine, colestipol, nicotinic acid, probucol and gemfibrozil. Preliminary data suggest that the addition of either probucol or gemfibrozil to therapy with lovastatin or Pravastatin () is associated with greater reduction in LDL-cholesterol than that achieved with lovastatin or Pravastatin () alone. No adverse reactions unique to the combination or in addition to those previously reported for each drug alone have been reported. Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis (with or without acute renal failure) have been reported when another HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor was used in combination with immunosuppressive drugs, gemfibrozil, erythromycin, or lipid-lowering doses of nicotinic acid. Concomitant therapy with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and these agents is generally not recommended. (See and .)
In a two (2) year double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 100 boys and 114 girls with HeFH, the safety and tolerability profile of Pravastatin () was generally similar to that of placebo. (See and .)
Pravastatin () Overdosage
To date, there has been limited experience with overdosage of Pravastatin () . If an overdose occurs, it should be treated symptomatically with laboratory monitoring and supportive measures should be instituted as required. (See .)
Pravastatin () Dosage And Administration
The patient should be placed on a standard cholesterol-lowering diet before receiving Pravastatin () sodium and should continue on this diet during treatment with Pravastatin () (see ).
Pravastatin () can be administered orally as a single dose at any time of the day, with or without food. Since the maximal effect of a given dose is seen within 4 weeks, periodic lipid determinations should be performed at this time and dosage adjusted according to the patient’s response to therapy and established treatment guidelines.
The recommended starting dose is 40 mg once daily. If a daily dose of 40 mg does not achieve desired cholesterol levels, 80 mg once daily is recommended. In patients with a history of significant renal or hepatic dysfunction, a starting dose of 10 mg daily is recommended.
Children (Ages 8 to 13 Years, Inclusive)
The recommended dose is 20 mg once daily in children 8 to 13 years of age. Doses greater than 20 mg have not been studied in this patient population.
Adolescents (Ages 14 to 18 Years)
The recommended starting dose is 40 mg once daily in adolescents 14 to 18 years of age. Doses greater than 40 mg have not been studied in this patient population.
Children and adolescents treated with Pravastatin () should be re-evaluated in adulthood and appropriate changes made to their cholesterol-lowering regimen to achieve adult goals for LDL-C (see ).
In patients taking immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine (see ) concomitantly with Pravastatin () , therapy should begin with 10 mg of Pravastatin () sodium once-a-day at bedtime and titration to higher doses should be done with caution. Most patients treated with this combination received a maximum Pravastatin () dose of 20 mg/day.
The lipid-lowering effects of Pravastatin () on total and LDL-cholesterol are enhanced when combined with a bile-acid-binding resin. When administering a bile-acid-binding resin (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol) and Pravastatin () , Pravastatin () should be given either 1 hour or more before or at least 4 hours following the resin. (See also .)
Pravastatin () How Supplied
Blistercards of 30 NDC 0615-7570-39
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°to30°C (59°-86°) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep tightly closed (protect from moisture). Protect from light.
Pravastatin () References
1 Shepherd J, et al. Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease with Pravastatin () in Men with Hypercholesterolemia (WOS). N Engl J Med1995;333:1301–7.
2 Fredrickson DS, et, al. Fat Transport in Lipoproteins–An Integrated Approach to Mechanisms and Disorders. N Engl J Med1967; 276:34-42, 94-102, 148-156, 215-224, 273-281.
3 Manson JM, Freyssinges C, Ducrocq MB, Stephenson WP. Postmarketing Surveillance of Lovastatin and Simvastatin Exposure During Pregnancy. Reproductive Toxicology1996;10(6):439-446.
4 Pitt B, et al. Pravastatin () Limitation of Atherosclerosis in the Coronary Arteries (PLAC I):
Reduction in Atherosclerosis Progression and Clinical Events. J Am Coll Cardiol 1995;26:1133-9.
5 Jukema JW, et al. Effects of Lipid Lowering by Pravastatin () on Progression and Regression of
Coronary Artery Disease in Symptomatic Man With Normal to Moderately Elevated Serum Cholesterol Levels. The Regression Growth Evaluation Statin Study (REGRESS). Circulation
1995;91:2528–2540.
6 Crouse JR, et al. Pravastatin () , Lipids, and Atherosclerosis in the Carotid Arteries: Design Features of a Clinical Trial with Carotid Atherosclerosis Outcome (PLAC II). Controlled Clinical Trials1992;13:495.
7 Salonen R, et al. Kuopio Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (KAPS). A Population-based Primary Preventive Trial of the Effect of LDL Lowering on Atherosclerotic Progression in Carotid and Femoral Arteries. Research Institute of Public Health, University of Kuopio, Finland. Circulation 1995;92:1758.
Rx Only
Manufactured by:
Bachepalli, 502 325 INDIA
Distributed by:
Bridgewater, NJ 08807 USA
Revised: 1109
Pravastatin () Principal Display Panel
Pravastatin () Sodium Tabs,
USP 80mg
