Cholstat (Pravastatin Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Cholstat Used For?
Cholstat is a medication that helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Primary Uses
Cholstat is used to lower high blood cholesterol levels, treat patients who have had a heart attack or unstable angina, lower cholesterol in transplant patients, reduce the risk of further heart disease, and treat heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia in children and adolescents aged 8 years and older.
How It Works
Cholstat works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver.
Good to know: Cholstat is not addictive or habit-forming.
Continue Reading
Sign in to access the complete medication guide including dosage, side effects, warnings, and more.
How to Take Cholstat
It is important to take Cholstat exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Dosage Instructions
The usual starting dose for lowering cholesterol is between 10 mg to 20 mg taken at night. The dose may vary from 10 mg to 80 mg once daily depending on individual cholesterol levels. For reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack, the recommended dose is 40 mg per day. Children aged 8-13 years typically take 20 mg once daily, while adolescents aged 14-18 years take 40 mg once daily.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Nervousness
- Sleep disturbances
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Rashes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of face, lips, or tongue)
- Unexplained muscle pain
- Muscle rupture
- Muscle cramps
- Tenderness or weakness in muscles
- Joint pain
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings to consider before taking Cholstat.
Who Should Not Take Cholstat
Do not take Cholstat if you are allergic to pravastatin sodium or any of its ingredients, have liver problems, have experienced muscle pain from other cholesterol-lowering medications, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss with your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, diabetes, thyroid issues, or any muscle diseases.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may affect how Cholstat works.
- Other cholesterol-lowering medications
- Bile acid sequestrants
- Fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)
- Ciclosporin
- Colchicine
- Ketoconazole
- Spironolactone
- Cimetidine
- Nicotinic acid
- Macrolides (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin)
- Antacids
- Lenalidomide
- Fusidic acid
- Propranolol
- Rifampicin
- Digoxin
- Warfarin or other anticoagulants
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and operating machinery while taking Cholstat.
Alcohol
Inform your doctor if you consume alcohol regularly.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Cholstat may cause dizziness in some individuals. Exercise caution until you know how it affects you.
Storage
Store Cholstat tablets in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose of Cholstat, seek medical attention immediately. Contact your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cholstat may take several weeks to show significant effects on cholesterol levels.
For best results, take Cholstat on an empty stomach, ideally 3 hours after dinner.
Cholstat is not addictive or habit-forming.
Do not stop taking Cholstat without consulting your doctor, as it may lead to increased cholesterol levels.
Inform your doctor if you consume alcohol, as it may affect your treatment.
Weight gain is not a common side effect of Cholstat.
Elderly patients may require a lower dose, and should consult their doctor for guidance.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.