What Drug Is Taken When Traveling At High Altitudes?

Dr. Christa Kingston discusses the use of Diamox (Acetazolamide) as a preventive measure and treatment to manage or avoid the onset of altitude sickness. High-elevation travel destinations like Colorado ski resorts with lodgings at 8,000–10,000 ft (≈2,440–3,050) are common high-elevation destinations. Acetazolamide and dexamethasone can be used to prevent acute mountain sickness and high altitude cerebral edema, but only acetazolamide aids in preventing severe altitude illness.

High-altitude medicine experts have known for decades that taking time to slowly ascend is the best way to prevent the development of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Acetazolamide works by acidifying the blood, acting as a respiratory stimulant and increasing ventilation. It is recommended for climbers attempting rapid ascent and those experiencing mountain sickness despite gradual ascent.

Travelers with sleep disordered breathing should receive acetazolamide, while those with mild to moderate OSA who are not should also receive acetazolamide. Acetazolamide can be taken at a dose of 125 mg at 1 hour before bedtime at night to reduce periodic breathing and improve sleep quality.

Some medications, such as ibuprofen, acetazolamide (Diamox), or dexamethasone, may be considered to treat altitude sickness. Acetazolamide, commonly prescribed off-label in Australia to prevent AMS, is the only drug currently shown to facilitate acclimatization. Certain medications, especially acetazolamide, dexamethasone, or nifedipine, can treat altitude sickness and delay more severe symptoms or complications.

What is the best medicine for high altitude?

Altitude sickness can be treated with medications like acetazolamide (Diamox), nifedipine (Procardia), and dexamethasone. If symptoms worsen or medication or oxygen treatment fails, it is recommended to go to a lower altitude and descend at least 1500 ft (450 m). If severe symptoms persist, seek emergency help or go down with someone with the illness. Preventing altitude sickness can be achieved by taking time when traveling to high altitudes and using medication in advance. Always accompany someone with severe symptoms and never let them go down alone.

What tablet is used for altitude sickness?

Diamox (Acetazolamide) is a medication used to prevent or lessen symptoms related to mountain sickness in climbers attempting rapid ascents or those experiencing mountain sickness despite gradual ascent. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is characterized by headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness, fatigue, and sleeping difficulties. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the speed of ascent, altitude attained, strenuous activity, time spent at high altitude, and previous history of AMS.

AMS can progress to more serious conditions like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). If you experience confusion, disorientation, lethargy, breathlessness, persistent cough, or frothy sputum, descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention immediately. HAPE and HACE are life-threatening conditions that can progress to death in as little as 12 hours. Gradual ascent to high altitudes is the best and safest way to avoid acute mountain sickness.

Other strategies to avoid AMS include a high carbohydrate diet, reducing activity until acclimatization, gradually ascending, and taking a prophylactic drug like Diamox. Three rules for high altitude travelers include learning early symptoms of altitude illness, never ascending to sleep at a higher altitude with symptoms, and descend if symptoms worsen while resting at the same altitude.

What to take when traveling to high altitude?

Altitude sickness is a common and potentially fatal condition that can be prevented and treated with medications like acetazolamide, nifedipine, and PDE inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil. The mildest form, acute mountain sickness, typically lasts a few days and disappears once the body adjusts to higher altitudes. However, severe forms like HAPE and HACE can be deadly within 24 hours, making it crucial to prevent the worsening of altitude sickness. Symptoms of HAPE and HACE include trouble breathing, clumsiness, and ataxia. It is essential to recognize these symptoms and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of altitude sickness.

Who Cannot take Diamox?

The use of Diamox is contraindicated in individuals with known allergies to acetazolamide, those with underlying kidney, liver, or severe lung disease, those undergoing high-dose aspirin therapy, and those with electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, caution should be exercised in patients with glaucoma or diabetes, as they may be at an increased risk of adverse effects. Furthermore, it is recommended that the use of Diamox be discussed with a qualified medical professional.

How do I prepare my body for high altitude?

To avoid altitude illness, gradually ascend from low elevations to higher elevations, allowing your body time to adjust to lower oxygen levels. If possible, spend a few days at 8, 000-9, 000 feet before traveling to a higher elevation. Increase sleeping distance by no more than 1, 600 feet per day and spend an extra day at that elevation for every 3, 300 feet you ascend. Avoid alcohol or heavy exercise for at least 48 hours after arriving at an elevation above 8, 000 feet.

Travel to elevations greater than 9, 000 ft for 2 nights or more within 30 days before your trip to avoid altitude illness. Consider taking day trips to a higher elevation and returning to a lower elevation for sleep. Medicines are available to prevent acute mountain sickness and shorten the time it takes to get used to high elevations. If your itinerary does not allow gradual travel, consult your doctor about medications to prevent or treat altitude illness.

Should I take Diamox for high altitude?

Acetazolamide is a medication used to prevent and reduce symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath, when climbing to high altitudes. It is particularly useful in situations where slow ascents are not possible. To prevent altitude sickness, climb slowly, stop for 24 hours, and take it easy for the first 1 to 2 days. Acetazolamide belongs to the carbonic anhydrase inhibitors class and works by decreasing fluid production inside the eye.

It is also used to decrease edema caused by heart failure or certain medications. Acetazolamide is usually used for a short period and has been used with other medications to treat certain types of seizures.

For tablets, take it by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 4 times daily. For long-acting capsules, take them by mouth, usually 1 or 2 times daily, swallowing them whole. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

What is the fastest way to adjust to high altitude?

Altitude sickness is a common issue that can lead to shortness of breath, nausea, and exhaustion during travel. It is caused by the body losing water and salt faster as you increase altitude. To alleviate altitude sickness, it is essential to drink plenty of water, reduce exercise, get enough sleep, limit alcohol intake, increase potassium levels, protect yourself from the sun, consume more calories, and consider taking Acetazolamide. This guide can help you adjust to altitude changes quickly and safely, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about altitude sickness.

What is the travel medicine for high altitude?

High-elevation travel destinations like Colorado ski resorts, Cusco, La Paz, Lhasa, Everest base camp, and Mount Kilimanjaro can expose travelers to cold, low humidity, increased ultraviolet radiation, and decreased air pressure, which can cause health problems. The biggest concern is hypoxia, due to the decreased partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) at 10, 000 ft (≈3, 050 m). The magnitude and consequences of hypoxic stress depend on the elevation, rate of ascent, duration of exposure, and host genetic factors.

Hypoxemia is greatest during sleep, and day trips to high-elevation destinations with an evening return to a lower elevation are less stressful. To prevent severe altitude illness or death, travelers must avoid taking respiratory depressants at high elevations due to the key role of ventilation.

How do you prepare your lungs for high altitude mountains?

To enhance one’s skiing abilities, it is recommended to utilize a straw, engage in deep breathing, concentrate on the relaxation of the shoulders and the expansion of the lower ribs 15 times, cease activity if dizziness occurs, resume normal breathing, hold the breath for an extended period, repeat the process five times, and wear a buff over the nose and mouth to augment the resistance to airflow.

Can I buy Diamox over the counter?

Diamox, also known as acetazolamide, is a pharmaceutical agent that is employed to mitigate the adverse effects associated with altitude sickness, which can be a significant impediment to safe and successful high-altitude travel. Nevertheless, it is not available without a prescription for a number of reasons. Diamox is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and is not available for purchase over the counter.