So is it worth using Diamox on Kilimanjaro? In short, yes. Anything that is going to help you reach the summit safely should be considered a worthy investment. We recommend taking Diamox for 2-3 days 2 weeks before departure to test whether you experience any side effects.

When should I start Diamox Kilimanjaro?

Dosage of Diamox on Kilimanjaro: The Wilderness Medical Society's recommended dosage is 125mg twice daily, starting two days before the start of your Kilimanjaro climb. Dr. Peter Hackett of the Institute for Altitude Medicine agrees.

At what altitude should I take Diamox?

Start taking Diamox same day or the day before ascent to 10,000 ft. (3000m), continue it through your ascent to higher altitudes and stop when youstart descending.

Does Diamox work for altitude sickness?

Detailed Description: Acetazolamide, or Diamox, is the standard medical prophylaxis agent for high altitude illness. The medication is effective in preventing acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

How do you prevent Kilimanjaro altitude sickness?

How to minimize your chances of suffering from altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro:

1. Acclimatize prior to the climb. ...
2. Start the climb in the best possible health and with an excellent level of physical fitness. ...
3. Take it easy on the trail and in camp. ...
4. Drink plenty of fluids. ...
5. Eat well. ...
6. Sleep well. ...
7. Relax.

Diamox Acclimatization while Climbing Kilimanjaro | Trek Tips

44 related questions found

Do you need oxygen for Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro's altitude is a significant challenge, but climbers do not need supplemental oxygen to climb Kilimanjaro or reach the summit. To reach to the summit you use the acclimatization method of walking slowly “pole pole” climb high, sleep low.

Does prednisone help altitude sickness?

In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that administra- tion of 20 mg prednisolone as a single dose for 2 days at sea level and for 3 days following initial ascent to high altitude is able to significantly curtail the symptoms of acute mountain sickness.

When should I take Diamox in Leh?

Diamox dosage

Start on a dosage of 125 mg every 12 hours 2 days prior to your trek (or when you arrive at Delhi). Increase it to 250 mg every 12 hours from the day you get to the base camp and continue until you complete the trek.

What is the best medicine for altitude sickness?

A doctor can give you acetazolamide (Diamox). This speeds up how fast your body gets used to the higher altitude. Nifedipine (Procardia) and dexamethasone are also used for altitude sickness. You may also be able to use oxygen or a specially designed pressure chamber to treat altitude sickness.

Does Diamox really work?

User Reviews for Diamox to treat Mountain Sickness / Altitude Sickness. Diamox has an average rating of 8.0 out of 10 from a total of 10 ratings for the treatment of Mountain Sickness / Altitude Sickness. 80% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 20% reported a negative effect.

What are the long term effects of taking Diamox?

Diamox may worsen chronic liver disease. People with severe chronic lung disease may experience more breathing difficulty while taking Diamox. Diamox can make sunburn more likely. People should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight while on Diamox, especially if they get sunburned easily.

What does acetazolamide do to your body?

Acetazolamide decreases the pressure in the eye. Acetazolamide is also used to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms (upset stomach, headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue) of altitude (mountain) sickness.

Does Diamox cause weight loss?

4) Diamox also can cause some stomach pain, nausea and loss of appetite. People often lose 10 pounds when they first go on it. It's best to take it with a meal. The weight-loss effect doesn't last or it would be sold as a weight-loss drug.

What are the side effects of Diamox?

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or increased urination may occur, especially during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in taste may also occur.

What can you take instead of Diamox?

You can take Ibuprofen every four to six hours only if needed. Do not take more than 1,000 mg of ibuprofen daily. Take ibuprofen with food or after meals if it seems to bother your stomach. Ibuprofen does get absorbed by the blood stream much faster than Diamox making it a quick acting drug.

How long should I take Diamox for altitude sickness?

Begin this medicine 24 hours before arriving at high altitude and continue for 48 hours while at high altitude. You may continue taking Diamox up to 48 hours longer if your symptoms indicate the need for additional pills.

Can I buy Diamox over the counter?

Acetazolamide is a prescription-only drug, so you cannot buy it over the counter before going on holiday. You must allow enough time to make an appointment with your GP ahead of time, or use our online service which can issue you with a doctor-verified prescription based on your responses to our health questionnaire.

Is Diamox the same as acetazolamide?

Acetazolamide (Brand Name: Diamox) is a "water pill" (diuretic) used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. Acetazolamide is also used with other medications to treat a certain type of eye problem (open-angle glaucoma). Acetazolamide is available in generic form.

Is Diamox a prescription drug?

What is Diamox Sequels and how is it used? Diamox Sequels is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Glaucoma, Acute Altitude Sickness, Congestive Heart Failure, Seizure, Epilepsy and Drug-Induced Edema. Diamox Sequels may be used alone or with other medications.

Can you drink alcohol with Diamox?

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of chlorpheniramine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with chlorpheniramine.

How long does Diamox stay in your system?

Acetazolamide is fairly rapidly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract with peak plasma concentrations occurring about 2 hours after administration by mouth. It has been estimated to have a plasma half-life of about 4 hours.

How is altitude sickness treated in Leh?

What to do:

1. rest at the same (or lower) altitude until the symptoms disappear.
2. ibuprofen or paracetamol for headache.
3. drink enough water.
4. if not better after 12 hours, go down by at least 500m.

Can you take Diamox and predniSONE together?

acetaZOLAMIDE predniSONE

You may need a dose adjustment or special tests in order to safely take both medications together. This combination may cause muscle pains or cramps, loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, or confusion. If you take both medications together, tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Can Benadryl help with altitude sickness?

Some folks use over-the-counter sleep aids such as Tylenol PM® which contains Benadryl®, an antihistamine. Antihistamines have not been shown to affect breathing and may be taken safely. If you are taking trazadone for sleep, there is no evidence that it decreases the breathing drive and is likely safe at altitude.

How does dexamethasone Help altitude sickness?

Dexamethasone – Dexamethasone is a steroid that can reduce symptoms of AMS. You can take dexamethasone with acetazolamide, if needed. Dexamethasone increases blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. When to seek help — AMS symptoms should improve as you adjust to the altitude, usually within 24 to 48 hours.