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  • Redwood Pharmacy, 116 Alexandra Park Road, Muswell Hill, N10 2AH

Altitude sickness

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Altitude sickness

Altitude Sickness Prevention & Acetazolamide Prescribing Service – Redwood Pharmacy

Are you travelling to high altitudes such as the Himalayas, Andes, or Kilimanjaro? Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), can affect travellers who ascend above 2,500–3,000 metres too quickly. Without proper acclimatisation, your body may struggle to cope with reduced oxygen levels, resulting in symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

At Redwood Pharmacy, we offer a private altitude sickness consultation and can prescribe Acetazolamide tablets (off-label) where clinically appropriate to help reduce your risk.

What Is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness happens when your body doesn’t adapt fast enough to the lower oxygen levels found at higher elevations. It commonly occurs in trekkers, climbers, or holidaymakers visiting mountainous regions above 3,000 metres (9,842 feet).

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

Mild to moderate symptoms can include:
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Fatigue and poor sleep
  • Loss of appetite
  • Breathlessness on exertion

If you develop a severe headache, confusion, chest tightness, or breathlessness at rest, you must descend immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

Acetazolamide for Altitude Sickness – How It Works

Acetazolamide (brand name Diamox) is a prescription-only medication that helps your body acclimatise to high altitudes more quickly by stimulating breathing and reducing fluid retention in the lungs and brain.

It is commonly used by travellers to prevent or reduce the severity of symptoms when climbing or flying to high-altitude destinations.

Typical Dosage for Prevention:

  • 125 mg to 250 mg twice daily, starting 1 to 2 days before ascent and continuing for 48 hours after reaching the highest altitude, or as directed by your prescriber.

Typical Dosage for Treatment (if symptoms occur):

  • 250 mg twice daily until symptoms improve and descent is possible.

Always follow the exact dosage and guidance provided during your consultation. Acetazolamide may not be suitable for everyone.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness Naturally

Alongside medication, follow these practical steps:
  • Ascend slowly: No more than 300–500 metres per day above 3,000 metres.
  • Plan rest days: Every 3–4 days during your ascent.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water; avoid alcohol.
  • Sleep low: If possible, “climb high, sleep low.”
  • Stop if unwell: Don’t go higher with symptoms—take paracetamol or ibuprofen and rest. If no improvement within 24 hours, descend at least 500 metres.

Altitude Sickness Clinic at Redwood Pharmacy – Book Today

Heading to a high-altitude destination? We can help. At Redwood Pharmacy, our expert travel health team offers:

  • Travel health consultations
  • Altitude sickness prevention advice
  • Acetazolamide prescribing (if appropriate)
  • Full range of travel vaccines and medications
  • Redwood Pharmacy, 116 Alexandra Park Road, Muswell Hill, London, N10 2AH
  • Call: 0208 883 1596
  • redwoodpharmacy@gmail.com