This article describes pravastatin oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for pravastatin. If you want to know more about pravastatin oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Pravastatin oral tablet is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version.

Form and strengths of pravastatin

Pravastatin oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg

Dosage of pravastatin

This article describes the recommended dosages for pravastatin oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of pravastatin oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of pravastatin in adults

The dosage of pravastatin oral tablet for adults is the same for all its approved uses. You’ll take 40–80 milligrams (mg) once per day to:

Dosages of pravastatin in children

Pravastatin is approved to lower LDL cholesterol in children ages 8 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).

In children ages 8–13 years old, the recommended pravastatin dosage is 20 mg once per day. In children ages 14–18 years old, the recommended starting pravastatin dosage is 40 mg once per day.

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Dosage adjustments for pravastatin

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of pravastatin oral tablet based on several factors. They may recommend a lower dosage for you, depending on:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have
  • how well your kidneys or liver are working
  • other medications you may take

Missed dose of pravastatin

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of pravastatin oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of pravastatin oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about pravastatin oral tablet and its dosage.

Do older adults require a lower dose of pravastatin?

It depends. If you’re an older adult and have any problems with your heart, kidneys, or liver, your doctor may recommend a lower dosage of pravastatin for you. In general, “older adults” refers to people ages 65 years and older.

Be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications you take and any health conditions you may have.

What is considered a high dose of pravastatin?

Pravastatin tablets come in strengths of 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg. The typical maximum recommended dosage is 80 mg once per day. If you have certain health conditions or take certain medications along with pravastatin, your maximum recommended dosage may be lower.

Ask your doctor if you have questions about what’s considered a high dose of pravastatin and the maximum recommended dosage for you.

Is pravastatin taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe pravastatin oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take pravastatin oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How pravastatin is taken

You’ll swallow pravastatin oral tablet once per day, with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, split, or chew them. You can take pravastatin oral tablet at any time of day.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

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Overdose of pravastatin

It’s important that you do not take more pravastatin oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

What to do if you take too much pravastatin

If you think you’ve taken too much pravastatin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for pravastatin oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of pravastatin oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take pravastatin oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know whether you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Will I need a different dosage of pravastatin oral tablet if I take certain medications with it?
  • Will my doctor need to raise my dosage of pravastatin oral tablet if it isn’t working for my condition?
  • Am I at a greater risk of side effects if I take a higher dosage of pravastatin oral tablet?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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