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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.

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Pravastatin Vs. Simvastatin: How Do They Compare For High Cholesterol?

Simvastatin

 

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Pravastatin

 

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Summary for Zocor

Prescription only

Simvastatin is a low-to-moderate intensity statin that helps lower cholesterol. This helps lower the risk of serious problems like heart attack or stroke. It's approved for adults and certain children 10 years and older. Simvastatin tablets are available as brand-name Zocor and a generic. The liquid suspension form only comes as brand-name FloLipid. The simvastatin dose is taken by mouth once each night. It works best when you also eat heart-healthy foods and stay active. Possible side effects are stomach pain, muscle pain, and headache.

Indications for Zocor

Pros and Cons for Zocor

Pros

  • Can lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) by up to 49% at certain doses
  • Taken once a night
  • Has an oral solution version (FloLipid) that's an option for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
  • Approved for children as young as 10 years old with HeFH

Cons

  • Has the highest risk among the statins to cause muscle pain
  • Has some drug interactions, like with certain heart medications and grapefruit
  • Can't take if you have certain liver problems
  • Not recommended to take while pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Zocor

  • Bronchitis (7%)
  • Stomach pain (6%)
  • Irregular heartbeat (6%)
  • Inflamed stomach lining (nausea, vomiting, low appetite; 5%)
  • Eczema (dry, itchy skin; 5%)
  • Vertigo (dizzy, feeling like the room is spinning; 5%)

Warnings for Zocor

  • Severe muscle pain and damage
  • Liver problems
  • Higher blood sugar levels
  • Possible risk of harm when taken while pregnant or breastfeeding

Summary for Pravachol

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 for Pravachol

Pros and Cons for Pravachol

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 for Pravachol

Warnings for Pravachol

  • 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

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Simvastatin90 tablets / 20mg
$14.79$85.51
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Pravastatin90 tablets / 40mg
$23.61$81.03
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