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What Are the Differences between Simvastatin and Pravastatin?

B. Chisholm
B. Chisholm

There are not many differences between simvastatin and pravastatin as they both belong to the same class of cholesterol-lowering drug and act by the same mechanism of action. Their pharmacokinetics, potential for interactions with other medicines and normal dosage, however, differ slightly. Both drugs are usually available by prescription only and may be available as different trade names in different countries, according to manufacturer.

Both simvastatin and pravastatin are HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly referred to as statins. By inhibiting HMG CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the body, cholesterol levels are lowered. High cholesterol levels, or hypercholesterolemia, a very common problem worldwide, can cause blocking of the blood vessels and increase the risk of serious conditions such as stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. While lifestyle changes may first be recommended, such as a change in diet and exercise, medication is often required to lower cholesterol levels.

Simvastatin is very similar to pravastatin.
Simvastatin is very similar to pravastatin.

Cholesterol is synthesized in the body mainly at night, so it is recommended that statins with a short half-life such as these, be taken at night to ensure maximal effect. The half-life of a drug refers to how long it remains at a certain level in the body, so the shorter the half-life, the shorter the time of action. In most cases, statins are taken as a once daily dose.

Those who take statins should check with their doctors to see if it's safe to drink grapefruit juice, which can interact with the drugs.
Those who take statins should check with their doctors to see if it's safe to drink grapefruit juice, which can interact with the drugs.

Simvastatin and pravastatin also differ in the strength which is usually used. Simvastatin is usually given at a dose of 10mg at night initially and may be increased slowly, usually at four-weekly intervals, up to a maximum of 80mg daily, depending on tolerance and response. Pravastatin is also usually started at 10mg daily and worked up, similarly at four week intervals, but to a maximum of 40mg.

High cholesterol levels may result in a heart attack.
High cholesterol levels may result in a heart attack.

As with any medication, both drugs may interact with other medications, including homeopathic, over-the-counter and complementary medicines. These should be discussed with the prescribing doctor before initiating treatment with either drug. Pravastatin tends to be slightly less susceptible to interactions due to the fact that it is not metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system, a system which can often cause interactions due to inhibition or induction of the system by other medications.

Side effects of simvastatin and pravastatin may include liver toxicity.
Side effects of simvastatin and pravastatin may include liver toxicity.

Adverse reactions may occur with both drugs, and are generally dose-related for both. Some side effects that have been reported include gastrointestinal side effects, muscle effects and liver toxicity. The prescribing doctor will monitor patients on statins closely for any signs of serious adverse effects and, should any be experienced, the patient should contact their doctor immediately.

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    • Simvastatin is very similar to pravastatin.
      By: Sasajo
      Simvastatin is very similar to pravastatin.
    • Those who take statins should check with their doctors to see if it's safe to drink grapefruit juice, which can interact with the drugs.
      By: tashka2000
      Those who take statins should check with their doctors to see if it's safe to drink grapefruit juice, which can interact with the drugs.
    • High cholesterol levels may result in a heart attack.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      High cholesterol levels may result in a heart attack.
    • Side effects of simvastatin and pravastatin may include liver toxicity.
      By: decade3d
      Side effects of simvastatin and pravastatin may include liver toxicity.
    • Both simvastatin and pravastatin belong to the same class of cholesterol-lowering drug.
      By: blueringmedia
      Both simvastatin and pravastatin belong to the same class of cholesterol-lowering drug.
    • Statins are commonly used to treat high blood pressure.
      By: Rob
      Statins are commonly used to treat high blood pressure.