In medicine and pharmacology, pravastatin (Pravachol® or Selektine®) is a member of the drug class of statins, used for lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease.

Pravastatin was identified originally in a mold called Nocardia autotrophica by researchers of the Sankyo Pharma Inc. It is presently being marketed outside Japan by the pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a generic version of Pravastatin for sale in the United States for the first time on April 24, 2006. Generic Pravastatin Sodium Tablets (10mg, 20mg and 40mg) are manufactured by TEVA Pharmaceuticals in Kfar Sava, Israel. FDA Press Release

In 2005, Pravachol was the 22nd highest-selling brand-name drug in the United States. FDA Press Release

External links

• Pravachol information from the National Institute of Health

Statins | Bristol-Myers Squibb

Pravastatina | Pravastatine | ปราวาสแตติน