Clinical information
Common uses
- high cholesterol
- preventing angina, heart attack and stroke in cardiovascular disease
Common side effects
- headache
- dizziness
- feeling sick
- constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or wind
- muscle aches; sleep problems
Cautions
- rare muscle inflammation — report cramps, severe pain, dark urine
- rare liver or pancreas inflammation
- may not suit liver, kidney, thyroid or muscle conditions
- avoid with heavy regular alcohol use
Interactions
- fibrates such as bezafibrate
- antifungals (itraconazole, fluconazole)
- antibiotics (fusidic acid, erythromycin, clarithromycin)
- HIV and hepatitis C medicines
- ciclosporin; colchicine; rifampicin
Pregnancy: not recommended — stop 3 months before trying to conceive
Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: NHS Medicines A–Z, nhs.uk/medicines/pravastatin (accessed 2026-08-16)