Generic Pravachol is used lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good") cholesterol levels. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It is also used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and death due to coronary heart disease; to slow blood vessel blockage and to reduce the need for medical procedures to open blocked blood vessels. Generic Pravachol is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a "statin." It works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol.