What is the brand name for Pravastatin?
The brand name for Pravastatin is Pravachol.
PTCE Top 200 · #57
Pravastatin
Pravachol
Pravastatin is the generic name for the brand-name drug Pravachol. It is a statin (hmg-coa reductase inhibitor) used to treat high cholesterol. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Pravastatin ranks #57 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Pravastatin |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Pravachol |
| Drug class | Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) |
| Class group | Cardiovascular |
| Common use | high cholesterol |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Pravastatin used for?
• Hyperlipidemia: reduce LDL-C and total cholesterol; reduce risk of cardiovascular events in appropriate patients.
What drug class is Pravastatin?
Pravastatin is a Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Pravastatin
- arrow_rightMuscle pain (myalgia)
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
Major interactions
- arrow_rightCyclosporine ↑ pravastatin levels (dose limits may apply)
- arrow_rightGemfibrozil or other fibrates ↑ myopathy/rhabdomyolysis risk
- arrow_rightNiacin (high dose) ↑ myopathy risk
- arrow_rightOther lipid-lowering resins may reduce absorption if taken together (separate dosing)
Is Pravastatin a controlled substance?
No. Pravastatin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Pravastatin (PTCE mnemonic)
PRAVA-chol is PRActical for cholesterol — prava-STATIN is hydrophilic (NOT CYP3A4). Safe with grapefruit/macrolides; muscle aches + LFTs.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Pravastatin is a lower-intensity statin with fewer interactions than simvastatin — a useful 'which statin' distinction; still -statin = cholesterol.
Pravastatin FAQ
What is Pravastatin used for?
Pravastatin is used to treat high cholesterol. • Hyperlipidemia: reduce LDL-C and total cholesterol; reduce risk of cardiovascular events in appropriate patients.
What drug class is Pravastatin?
Pravastatin is a Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) (Cardiovascular group).
Is Pravastatin a controlled substance?
No. Pravastatin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group
Drill Pravastatin the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).