Pravachol

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Pravachol

If Pravachol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Pravachol with the following:

• Cholestyramine
• Cimetidine
• Colestipol
• Diltiazem
• Drugs that suppress the immune system
• Erythromycin
• Gemfibrozil
• Itraconazole
• Niacin
• Warfarin

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

You must not become pregnant while taking Pravachol. Because this drug lowers cholesterol, and cholesterol is necessary for the proper development of an unborn baby, there is some suspicion that Pravachol might cause birth defects. Your doctor will prescribe Pravachol only if you are highly unlikely to become pregnant while taking the drug. If you do become pregnant while taking Pravachol, inform your doctor immediately.

Because Pravachol appears in breast milk, and because its cholesterol-lowering effects might prove harmful to a nursing baby, you should not take Pravachol while you are breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Pravachol

ADULTS

The usual starting dose is 40 milligrams once a day. If this doesn't reduce LDL levels sufficiently, your doctor may increase the dose to 80 milligrams once daily.

CHILDREN 8 TO 13 YEARS OLD

The recommended starting dose is 20 milligrams once a day. Doses greater than 20 milligrams have not been studied in this age-group.

CHILDREN 14 TO 18 YEARS OLD

The recommended starting dose is 40 milligrams once a day. Doses greater than 40 milligrams have not been studied in this age-group.

For people with kidney or liver problems and those taking a medication that suppresses the immune system, the starting dose is 10 milligrams. People on immunosuppressive drugs generally take no more than 20 milligrams of Pravachol daily.

Overdosage

Although no specific information is available, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Pravachol, seek medical attention immediately.