This article explains how pravastatin oral tablet and atorvastatin oral tablet are similar and different. You can view detailed articles about pravastatin oral tablet and atorvastatin oral tablet if you’d like more information about these drugs.
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Dosage of pravastatin and atorvastatin
Below is dosage information for the conditions that pravastatin oral tablet and atorvastatin oral tablet are prescribed for. To find detailed dosage information for all conditions both drugs are used for, see these articles about pravastatin oral tablet dosage and atorvastatin oral tablet dosage.
Below are dosages provided by the drugmakers of pravastatin oral tablet and atorvastatin oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes either medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. They’ll advise the dosage that’s best for your condition. Do not adjust your dosage without first talking with your doctor.
Pravastatin oral tablet’s dosage
Below is a summary of pravastatin oral tablet’s recommended dosages in adults and children. Strength is measured in milligrams (mg).
Purpose | How it’s taken | Recommended dose | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|
lower the risk of certain heart problems, including heart attack, in adults with heart disease or risk factors for it | oral tablet | 40–80 mg | once per day |
treat high levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, or other fats in adults | oral tablet | 40–80 mg | once per day |
treat heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in children ages 8 years and older | oral tablet | 20–40 mg | once per day |
treat primary dysbetalipoproteinemia* in adults | oral tablet | 40–80 mg | once per day |
* Primary dysbetalipoproteinemia is a rare inherited condition that causes high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Atorvastatin oral tablet’s dosage
Below is a summary of atorvastatin oral tablet’s recommended dosages in adults and children. Strength is measured in milligrams (mg).
Purpose | How it’s taken | Recommended dose | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|
lower the risk of certain heart problems, including heart attack, in adults with heart disease or risk factors for it | oral tablet | 10–80 mg | once per day |
treat high levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, or other fats in adults | oral tablet | 10–80 mg | once per day |
treat HeFH in children ages 10 years and older | oral tablet | 10–20 mg | once per day |
treat primary dysbetalipoproteinemia in adults | oral tablet | 10–80 mg | once per day |
Side effects of pravastatin and atorvastatin
Pravastatin oral tablet and atorvastatin oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Some of the more common mild side effects of each drug are listed below. Serious side effects of pravastatin oral tablet and atorvastatin oral tablet are also listed.
Keep in mind that your side effects may differ from those listed below. They can vary based on your overall health, any other medications you take, and your age.
This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of these medications. To find more information, you can view the prescribing information for pravastatin oral tablet and atorvastatin oral tablet. You can also check out these articles about pravastatin oral tablet side effects and atorvastatin oral tablet side effects.
Mild side effects
Below are some of the mild side effects reported with pravastatin oral tablet and atorvastatin oral tablet:
pravastatin oral tablet | atorvastatin oral tablet | |
mild muscle pain | ✓ | ✓ |
nausea | ✓ | ✓ |
diarrhea | ✓ | ✓ |
headache | ✓ | |
mild allergic reaction* | ✓ | ✓ |
* An allergic reaction is possible with pravastatin oral tablet or atorvastatin oral tablet. It wasn’t reported in the drugs’ studies for pravastatin oral tablet or atorvastatin oral tablet. But allergic reaction has occurred since these drugs were approved for use.
Serious side effects
Below are serious side effects reported with pravastatin oral tablet and atorvastatin oral tablet:
pravastatin oral tablet | atorvastatin oral tablet | |
---|---|---|
liver problems, including high liver enzymes | ✓ | ✓ |
muscle problems, including myopathy | ✓ | ✓ |
increase in blood sugar level | ✓ | ✓ |
serious allergic reaction* | ✓ | ✓ |
* An allergic reaction is possible with pravastatin oral tablet or atorvastatin oral tablet. It wasn’t reported in the drugs’ studies for pravastatin oral tablet or atorvastatin oral tablet. But allergic reaction has occurred since these drugs were approved for use.
For a lot of drugs, serious side effects are possible, but they’re not common. If you have serious side effects from pravastatin oral tablet or atorvastatin oral tablet, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms are severe or you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Cost of pravastatin and atorvastatin
As with the cost of other medications, the cost of pravastatin oral tablet and atorvastatin oral tablet can vary. Their price may be affected by:
- whether they’re covered by health insurance, if you have coverage
- the pharmacy they’re purchased from
- the quantity you’re prescribed
Coupons and cost savings
To view drug prices when Optum Perks coupons are applied, see this coupon page for pravastatin oral tablet and this coupon page for atorvastatin oral tablet. You can also check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
The options described in this article may also help you save on your prescription.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.