Pravastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used to lower lipid levels and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. Pravastatin is the 6-alpha-hydroxy acid form of mevastatin.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 4 references
Pravastatin is a specific inhibitor of the hepatic HMG-CoA reductase in humans. The inhibition of this enzyme produces a reduction in cholesterol biosynthesis as HMG-CoA reductase activity is an early-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis.
The inhibitory mechanism of action produces a reduction in cholesterol synthesis which in order has been observed to increase the number of LDL receptors on cell surfaces and an enhancement in receptor-mediated metabolism of LDL and clearance.
On the other hand, pravastatin-driven inhibition of LDL production inhibits hepatic synthesis of VLDL as the LDL is the precursor for these molecules.
- Primary indication
- Pravastatin is indicated for primary prevention of coronary events hypercholesterolemic patients without clinical evidence of coronary heart disease.Curator reviewed · 20 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C23H36O7 · 424.5277 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1998 · United States, 1994 · European Union, 2016
- Also known as
- Pravastatin acid
- Brand names
Resolves to
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Which drugs share a target with Pravastatin, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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