Travel medicine
Altitude Sickness Treatment
Acetazolamide prescribed and dispensed at the pharmacy. No GP visit required at Cotham Pharmacy, Bristol.
Book FREE ConsultationWhat is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when the body fails to acclimatise quickly enough to reduced oxygen levels at high altitude. It typically affects travellers ascending above 2,500 metres and can occur even in fit and healthy individuals.
Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness and difficulty sleeping. In severe cases, altitude sickness can progress to High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) — both of which are life threatening and require immediate descent and medical treatment.
Do I need this medication?
Acetazolamide is recommended for travellers ascending rapidly to high altitude destinations where there is limited opportunity to acclimatise gradually. It is particularly useful for trekkers and those on organised tours with fixed itineraries.
High altitude destinations
Nepal and the Himalayas, Peru and Machu Picchu, Kilimanjaro, Bolivia, Tibet and other high altitude regions
High risk travellers
Trekkers on fixed itineraries, those ascending rapidly, anyone with a previous history of altitude sickness
Important
Acetazolamide does not replace gradual acclimatisation. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen despite medication.
How does Acetazolamide work?
Acetazolamide (Diamox) works by stimulating faster and deeper breathing, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and helps the body acclimatise more quickly to altitude. It is taken as a preventative measure before and during ascent.
Dosage
Typically 125–250mg twice daily. Started 1–2 days before ascent and continued for 2 days at maximum altitude.
Timing
Start 1–2 days before ascending to high altitude. Our pharmacist will advise on the correct schedule for your itinerary.
Side effects
Common side effects include increased urination and tingling in the hands and feet. Avoid if allergic to sulfonamides.
Pricing
Pricing for this medication is available on our dedicated prices page.
All consultations are completely free with no obligation.
Ready to get protected?
Free consultations. Same day appointments available. Specialist travel health expertise.
Call us on 0117 973 6580 or book online.