Acetazolamide (Diamox)

Altitude sickness happens when the body can't get enough oxygen when you ascend to high altitudes. It occurs as the oxygen pressure drops, which means that your body doesn't have enough available oxygen.

This can impact normal functions, resulting in nausea, fatigue, a slightly increased respiratory rate, and headaches. However, as you begin to acclimatise to different altitudes, the symptoms often decrease.

You should stop climbing until the symptoms have completely resolved, which in most cases will be within 48 hours. Acetazolamide 250mg tablets will not protect you against your symptoms worsening if you continue to ascend.

Acetazolamide 250mg tablets will help reduce the risk of altitude sickness on rapid ascents, but it is not a substitute for following proper protocols and correct precautions. Rapid ascents carry serious risks, and Acetazolamide does not remove them. In fact, it can make climbers feel safe enough to push through their illness, leading to much more severe conditions.

Acetazolamide does not mask serious underlying symptoms; the medication treats the cause, not the symptoms. Acetazolamide increases the rate of acclimatisation. As acclimatisation occurs, the symptoms will resolve. Acetazolamide does not mask anything; if you are still unwell, your symptoms will persist despite the medication.

You can drink alcohol whilst taking Acetazolamide tablets, but it is not advisable if you are experiencing the symptoms of altitude sickness. Alcohol can make the symptoms of altitude sickness worse.

Yes, you can drive and take Acetazolamide tablets; however, if you notice any adverse reactions or side effects, you should stop taking the medication.

You should begin using Acetazolamide 1–2 days before ascending to high altitude regions. The medication can begin to support the acclimatisation process early on.

It depends on how long you plan to spend at a particular altitude. For example, if your ascent will take a few days, you can continue using it during the ascent.

Yes, high altitude medicine specialists will always tell you that you should begin your descent when your symptoms worsen. It's the best way to reduce altitude-related sickness.

In most cases, you can. However, some medications may result in interactions, so you should always seek professional advice before combining medicines.

While Acetazolamide is a commonly prescribed medicine in many countries, it's important to remember that not all medicines are made equal. Purchasing medicines whilst abroad might seem convenient, but you may not use reputable pharmacies or online doctor services.

With a team of registered pharmacists, we avoid supplying poor-quality medicines, and each of our treatments undergoes extensive checks.