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Compare Pravastatin vs. Atorvastatin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Pravastatin (Pravachol) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are both statins used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart problems. While both medications work by blocking a protein in your liver that makes cholesterol, there are some differences between them. Pravastatin is considered a low-to-moderate intensity statin, whereas atorvastatin is a moderate-to-high intensity statin, meaning atorvastatin can lower cholesterol more effectively at higher doses. Pravastatin is typically taken at night, while atorvastatin can be taken at any time of the day. Atorvastatin is available in both tablet and liquid forms, making it easier for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Both medications can cause serious side effects like muscle damage and liver problems, but atorvastatin has a higher risk of interactions with other medications. Neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Pravastatin
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • Pravastatin
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

  • Summary of Pravastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Pravastatin is a statin that's used to lower cholesterol in adults and certain children. By lowering your cholesterol levels, the medication helps protect your heart and blood vessels from serious and even life-threatening medical problems, such as heart attack or stroke. Pravastatin should be taken with a heart-healthy diet and a regular exercise routine for it to work as best as possible. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. Pravastatin side effects include muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and headache.

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin that lowers "bad" cholesterol, raises "good" cholesterol, lowers triglycerides (TG, also known as fats). In addition, it helps protect your heart and blood vessels. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is known as a moderate-to-high-intensity statin, meaning it lowers your cholesterol more so than many other statins. And as with all statins, atorvastatin (Lipitor) can cause rare, but serious side effects, such as liver problems or severe muscle pain. It's important that you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly in order to get the most benefits from this medication.

  • Indications of Pravastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Indications for
    •Lower the risk of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults at risk for heart problems
    •Lower "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain adults
    •Lower "bad" cholesterol levels in children age 8 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)
    Indications for
    •Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke) in high-risk adults (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of cholesterol problems)
    •Treatment of high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people

  • Pros and Cons of Pravastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Has fewer interactions with other medications than other statins
    •Might be safer and better tolerated than other statins
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Recommended to take in the evening to work better
    •Doesn't replace having a healthy diet and regular exercise routine to lower cholesterol levels
    •Not a high-intensity statin
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Can help lower the risk of heart attack, and stroke
    •Can be used in children as young as 10 years old
    •Long-acting, so can take it at anytime
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as a liquid (Atorvaliq) for those having trouble swallowing the tablets
    Cons
    •Can't be used in pregnant or breastfeeding females
    •Can't be used in people with liver problems
    •Risk of side effects are higher in certain people, such as those age 65 years and older or those who drink alcohol daily
    •Can cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem

  • Common Side Effects of Pravastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle, joint, or bone pain (25%)
    •Upper respiratory infection (21%)
    •Chest pain (10%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Runny nose or sore throat (8%)
    •Joint pain (7%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Pain in arms and legs (6%)
    •Pain while urinating, needing to urinate more often, and other symptoms of an urinary tract infection (UTI) (6%)

  • Warnings of Pravastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Worsening liver problems and liver failure
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Possible harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Worsening liver problems and liver failure
    •High blood sugar
    •Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females
    •Possible strokes or brain bleeds

  • Prices with our coupons for Pravastatin vs. Atorvastatin

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