Acetazolamide (Diamox)
$99
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Altitude sickness most commonly affects travelers who sleep above about 8,000 feet before their bodies have time to acclimatize. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, poor sleep, and shortness of breath.
Acetazolamide (Diamox) is an FDA-approved prescription medication that helps your body acclimatize faster by improving ventilation and oxygenation at altitude. Travelers commonly consider it for itineraries involving Cusco and Machu Picchu, Colorado ski towns above Denver, Kilimanjaro, Everest-region trekking, and other rapid ascents.
If prescribed, Diamox can be part of a broader prevention plan that also includes gradual ascent, hydration, lighter activity on arrival, and close attention to worsening symptoms. Use as directed by your clinician.
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness (AMS), can happen when you ascend too quickly and sleep at high elevation before your body acclimatizes. Symptoms often begin above about 8,000 feet.
When do travelers usually start Diamox?
Many travelers are instructed to start acetazolamide 1 to 2 days before ascent and continue through the first 48 hours at altitude, longer if ascent continues. Follow your clinician’s instructions for your trip.
Anyone can develop altitude sickness, no matter how fit, young or healthy you are. In fact, if you’re physically active while at a high elevation, you’re more likely to develop it.
Chances to get altitude sickness depends on a few things: how quickly you move to a higher elevation, how high up you’re going, the altitude where you sleep/rest, etc.
Your risk also depends on where you live, the altitude you’re accustomed to, your age (young people are more likely to get it) and whether you’ve had altitude sickness before.
Some research suggests our genes can play a role in the body’s ability to handle higher elevations.
Remember to hydrate and, if things become really bad, descend to a lower altitude. If you’re climbing a mountain or expect to reach incredible heights, it may help to bring oxygen and a Gamow bag.
Acetazolamide is a more affordable, generic form of Diamox that is just as effective.
Acetazolamide (generic Diamox) is a prescription medication that is commonly used as a preventive treatment for altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Acetazolamide (generic Diamox) helps travelers acclimatize faster at altitude. It causes a mild bicarbonate diuresis and metabolic acidosis, which stimulates breathing and improves oxygenation. In practice, that helps reduce the chance and severity of acute mountain sickness, especially when you ascend quickly or sleep above about 8,000 feet.
Many travelers are instructed to start acetazolamide 1 to 2 days before ascent. That gives the medication time to support acclimatization before you sleep at high elevation. Your clinician may adjust the plan based on your route, how high you will go, and whether you have had altitude sickness before.
Many travelers continue Diamox through the first 48 hours at altitude and longer if they keep ascending or still have symptoms. The exact duration depends on your itinerary and response. Follow the instructions from your prescribing clinician for your specific trip.
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A Runway consultation costs a fraction of a travel clinic and our medications are priced below average retail pricing. You are only charged if prescribed.
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Step 1
Select your medications and fill out a quick, online questionnaire. Your physician will evaluate if medication is appropriate for your trip.
Step 2
Once your prescriptions are approved, we’ll send medications directly to you with fast and free shipping.
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Have questions along the way? Your physician is available for chat based care before, during and after your travels.
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