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Travel Health

Altitude Sickness Prevention

Prescription medication to prevent altitude sickness. Expert travel health advice for trekking and high-altitude travel.

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About Altitude Sickness

What Is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) occurs when you ascend to high altitude too quickly. Above 2,500 metres, the reduced air pressure means less oxygen is available, which can cause a range of symptoms from mild headache to life-threatening conditions.

  • Affects climbers, trekkers, and travellers above 2,500m
  • Symptoms usually appear 6-12 hours after reaching altitude
  • Common destinations: Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, Inca Trail, Annapurna
  • Can affect anyone regardless of fitness level
  • Preventable with proper preparation and medication
Altitude sickness prevention
Prevention & Treatment

How We Can Help

Our pharmacists can prescribe acetazolamide (Diamox), the most widely used medication for altitude sickness prevention.

  • Acetazolamide (Diamox) prescription after clinical assessment
  • Personalised dosage advice based on your itinerary
  • Start medication 1-2 days before ascent
  • Advice on gradual acclimatisation strategies
  • Hydration and self-care recommendations
Altitude sickness treatment and prevention
Key Information

What You Need to Know

Who Needs It

Anyone travelling above 2,500m — trekkers, mountaineers, skiers at high resorts, travellers to high-altitude cities like La Paz, Cusco, Lhasa.

The Medication

Acetazolamide 250mg, typically taken twice daily. Start 1-2 days before ascent, continue for 2 days at highest altitude.

How to Book

Walk in for a travel health consultation. No GP referral needed. Bring your travel itinerary with altitude details.

Questions

Altitude Sickness FAQs

Acetazolamide is a prescription medication that helps your body acclimatise to high altitude more quickly. It works by altering your blood chemistry to stimulate faster, deeper breathing.
Start taking acetazolamide 1-2 days before you begin ascending. Continue during ascent and for 2 days after reaching your highest altitude.
Common side effects include tingling in fingers and toes, increased urination, and altered taste of fizzy drinks. These are harmless and a sign the medication is working.
Acetazolamide is not suitable for people with sulfa allergies, severe kidney or liver disease, or certain other conditions. Our pharmacist will assess your suitability.

Planning a High-Altitude Trip?

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