Acetazolamide and Pravachol

• Generic Name: acetazolamide
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Diamox, Diamox Sequels

Acetazolamide reduces the activity of a protein in your body called carbonic anhydrase. Blocking this protein can help reduce the build-up of certain fluids in the body.

Acetazolamide is used in people with certain types of glaucoma to reduce the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye.

Acetazolamide is also used as a diuretic ("water pill") in people with congestive heart failure, to reduce the build-up of fluid in the body. This build-up is called edema.

Acetazolamide is also used to treat certain types of seizures, and to treat or prevent altitude sickness.

Acetazolamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: pravastatin
• Dosage Forms: tablet
• Other Brand Names: Pravachol

Pravachol (pravastatin) belongs to a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins."

Pravachol is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Pravachol is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with or without coronary heart disease or other risk factors.

Pravachol is used in adults and children who are at least 8 years old.