NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Pravastatin

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Pravastatin is a moderate-intensity hydrophilic statin with proven cardiovascular benefits in primary and secondary prevention. Unlike lipophilic statins, it is not metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2D6, resulting in fewer drug interactions.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2007–2024
Interactions
0
Depletes
1 nutrient
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Pravastatin is a moderate-intensity hydrophilic statin with proven cardiovascular benefits in primary and secondary prevention. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 10–80 mg once daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete coq10. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Lowers LDL cholesterol by 22–37%7
  • Proven reduction in coronary events (WOSCOPS, CARE trials)6,7
  • Favorable drug interaction profile4
  • Well-tolerated in patients on multiple medications
What to watch for
  • Myalgia
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Active liver disease or unexplained persistent transaminase elevations6,8
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: lowers ldl cholesterol by 22–37%, proven reduction in coronary events (woscops, care trials), favorable drug interaction profile. 10 sources indexed (2007–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Active drug that directly inhibits HMG-CoA reductase without requiring metabolic activation. Its hydrophilic nature confers hepatic selectivity via active transport into hepatocytes by organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP). Reduces LDL-C by decreasing cholesterol synthesis and upregulating LDL receptors.4

Class
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statin)
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
10–80 mg once daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral tablet

Can be taken with or without food; hydrophilic statin with minimal CYP450 interactions

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

CoQ10

Moderate

HMG-CoA reductase inhibition reduces mevalonate pathway flux, lowering endogenous CoQ10 synthesis alongside cholesterol synthesis.

Replace Coenzyme Q10 UbiquinolMonitor Plasma CoQ10Onset Often develops over weeks to months of continuous therapy

Full Pravastatin depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Myalgia
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Diarrhea
  • Elevated liver transaminases

Contraindications

  • Active liver disease or unexplained persistent transaminase elevations6,8
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Hypersensitivity to pravastatin1,2
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

5

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Pravastatin, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Pravastatin?

Pravastatin is a moderate-intensity hydrophilic statin with proven cardiovascular benefits in primary and secondary prevention. Unlike lipophilic statins, it is not metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2D6, resulting in fewer drug interactions.

What is Pravastatin used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Pravastatin include: Lowers LDL cholesterol by 22–37%; Proven reduction in coronary events (WOSCOPS, CARE trials); Favorable drug interaction profile; Well-tolerated in patients on multiple medications. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Pravastatin?

A typical adult dose of Pravastatin is 10–80 mg once daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Pravastatin?

Reported side effects include myalgia, nausea and vomiting, headache, rash, diarrhea, elevated liver transaminases. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Pravastatin?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Pravastatin in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.