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Compare Zocor vs. Pravachol

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

Key takeaways

Simvastatin (Zocor, Flolipid) and pravastatin (Pravachol) are both statins used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart problems like heart attack and stroke. Simvastatin is available in both tablet and oral solution forms, while pravastatin is only available as a tablet. Simvastatin is typically taken at night because it is short-acting, whereas pravastatin can be taken at any time of day, though nighttime is often recommended. Simvastatin has a higher risk of causing severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) compared to pravastatin. Additionally, simvastatin interacts with more medications and requires you to avoid grapefruit, which is not a concern with pravastatin. Both medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Both medications can cause liver problems and should be used cautiously in people who drink alcohol regularly.

drug combination

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  • Simvastatin (Zocor)
    Pravastatin
  • Simvastatin (Zocor)
    Pravastatin

  • Summary of Zocor vs. Pravachol

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Simvastatin (Zocor) is a statin used to lower your cholesterol to help protect your heart and blood vessels from serious, and even life-threatening, medical problems, such as heart attack or stroke. Simvastatin (Zocor) isn't meant to lower cholesterol on its own. Instead, you should take it in addition to eating a healthy diet and having a regular exercise routine. To get the most out of the medication, it's best to take simvastatin (Zocor) nightly before going to sleep.

    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.

  • Indications of Zocor vs. Pravachol

    Indications for
    •Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke) in people at higher-risk for heart problems
    •Lower high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
    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)

  • Pros and Cons of Zocor vs. Pravachol

    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL)
    •Can help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke
    •Oral solution (Flolipid) available for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    •Can be used in children as young as 10 years old
    Cons
    •Can't take if you've certain 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
    •Simvastatin (Zocor) has the highest risk among the statins to cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Zocor vs. Pravachol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of bronchitis (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Irregular heart beat (6%)
    •Nausea, stomach pain ,and other symptoms of stomach inflammation (5%)
    •Eczema (dry, itchy skin) (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle, joint, or bone pain (25%)
    •Upper respiratory infection (21%)
    •Chest pain (10%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (7%)

  • Warnings of Zocor vs. Pravachol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Worsening liver problems and liver failure
    •High blood sugar
    •Possible harm during in pregnancy or breastfeeding
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Zocor vs. Pravachol

    Learn more about Simvastatin
    Learn more about Pravastatin

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