Pravachol is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a "statin". It is used in adults and children (8 years of age and older), along with a proper diet, to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. In general, this drug is prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Pravachol is an oral drug for lowering cholesterol in the blood. It has been shown to reduce the occurrence of heart attacks, strokes and death caused by coronary heart disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase Inhibitors, commonly called "statins". Other statins include simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and fluvastatin (Lescol). Statins reduce cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) that is necessary for the production of cholesterol. In the blood, statins lower total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol as well as triglycerides. They also increase HDL ("good") cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is believed to be an important cause of coronary artery disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels slows and may even reverse coronary artery disease. Raising HDL cholesterol levels also may slow coronary artery disease.
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