Planning a trip to high altitudes? We can help you prevent and treat altitude sickness.

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when you cannot get enough oxygen from the air at high altitudes. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.

How Can We Help?

At Cotham Pharmacy, we offer treatments and preventive measures to help you manage altitude sickness, including:

• Consultations with our travel clinicians
• Supply prescription medications such as Acetazolamide
• Advice on over-the-counter remedies
• Travel health advice and tips

What we offer?

We can supply a maximum of 10 x Acetazolamide 250mg tablets as part of your travel consultation.

Dose & frequency

A dose of 125mg is taken twice daily. The doses should be taken 12 hourly. Time the second dose to avoid bedtime, as the diuretic side effect may disturb sleep.

The 250mg tablets will need to be halved to give a 125mg dose.

Commence treatment 1-2 days prior to ascent to high altitude, and then continue for at least two days after reaching the highest altitude.

Book an Appointment

To book an appointment or learn more about our altitude sickness treatment service, please contact us on 01179736580 or Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How early should I start taking Acetazolamide before my trip?

A: It's best to start taking preventive medication 1-2 days before ascending to high altitudes.

Q: Are there any side effects of the medication?

A: Some common side effects include increased urination and a tingling sensation in hands and feet. Consult our clinicians for more details.

Q: How does Acetazolamide work?

A: Acetazolamide helps prevent altitude sickness by making your body breathe faster. Here's how it works:

1. **Adjusts Blood Chemistry**: It changes the balance of chemicals in your blood, making it more acidic.
2. **Increases Breathing**: This acidity tricks your body into breathing faster, which helps you take in more oxygen.
3. **Improves Oxygen Use**: Breathing more helps you get more oxygen into your blood, which is needed because there's less oxygen at high altitudes.
4. **Reduces Fluid Buildup**: It helps you pee more, which can prevent fluid from building up in your lungs.
5. **Protects Your Brain**: It may also help reduce swelling in your brain, which can be a serious problem at high altitudes.

Overall, acetazolamide helps your body adjust to high altitudes better, reducing symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

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