Do you need Diamox to Climb Kilimanjaro ?

Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain. It attracts thousands of climbers each year.

An estimated 80,000 people attempt to summit Kilimanjaro each year, making it Tanzania’s top tourist attraction.

Most routes don’t require technical climbing skills. Although the summit is at 5895m/19340ft, the trek begins at 4900m.

This results in a total ascent of about 1,100m / 3,300 ft. Despite the short ascent, the summit is at an extreme altitude.

Each year, over 500 people must be evacuated. On average, six to ten people die, mainly due to high-altitude issues, including AMS.

In this article, we will delve into how to use Diamox while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in East Africa.

What is Acute Mountain Sickness? 

It is generally agreed that going too high, too fast, is a primary cause of altitude sickness.

Symptoms of altitude sickness usually develop 6 to 24 hours after reaching altitudes above 3,000m (9,842 feet) above sea level.

These symptoms resemble those of a hangover.

They include a throbbing headache, nausea, dizziness, lethargy, a sensation of chest pressure, especially when lying down, and shortness of breath.

As more people review their experiences on Kilimanjaro, more of them mention the use of Diamox

Read more about Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro 

Diamox: What You Should Know Before Using It?

Diamox is the brand name of the prescription drug acetazolamide.

The medication is used for various purposes. It can prevent and treat AMS.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved acetazolamide in 1953.

The medication acidifies the blood, increasing respiration and accelerating acclimatization. 

Studies have shown that taking Diamox at a dose of 250 mg every eight to twelve hours is effective.

Before and during rapid ascent to altitude reduces the severity of acute mountain sickness (AMS).

How does Diamox work to treat altitude sickness?

Source: Tulane University – School of Medicine 

Diamox works in a very fascinating way in the body.

Ninety percent of the blood’s carbon dioxide is present as bicarbonate.

Diamox facilitates the excretion of bicarbonate by the body, which makes the blood more acidic.

When the blood becomes acidic, the body interprets it as having more carbon dioxide.

To eliminate this excess carbon dioxide, the body increases ventilation.

In other words, the user breathes more deeply and quickly, expelling carbon dioxide while also taking in more oxygen.

The medication works by acidifying the blood, which increases respiration.

Acetazolamide is a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that induces diuresis and renal bicarbonate loss.

This increases minute ventilation and oxygenation by enhancing central chemoreceptor activity.

This enhances oxygen intake, thereby accelerating acclimatization.

It also improves sleep quality by reducing periodic breathing.

It does so by inhibiting peripheral chemoreceptors.

This information comes from the National Library of Medicine.

Does Diamox help prevent altitude sickness?

Diamox helps speed up the acclimatization process. It helps the body adapt to higher altitudes.

The body instinctively breathes faster and more deeply. It does this to counteract the decrease in atmospheric oxygen.

This helps prevent and treat acute mountain sickness (AMS). 

The manufacturer of Diamox states that in their tests: “pulmonary function (e.g., minute ventilation, expired vital capacity, and peak flow) is

The acetazolamide-treated group had higher rates of AMS and asymptomatic subjects.”

Does Diamox treat altitude sickness?

The FDA has approved Diamox for the prevention and treatment of altitude sickness.

So, if you feel relief from AMS symptoms after taking Diamox, you are better off.

The manufacturer recommends taking Diamox as a preventive measure, 24-48 hours before rapid ascent and throughout your climb (until descent).

But some people use it as a treatment, taking it only when AMS symptoms appear.

Continue taking the medicine until you descend to a lower altitude and are symptom-free.

Diamox is also used to treat glaucoma, epilepsy, and fluid retention.

So it’s worth noting that the drug may be doing other things in the body besides improving pulmonary function

How long does Diamox take to work for altitude sickness?

Diamox takes a while to work. Start taking it 24-48 hours before going to a high altitude.

Continue for at least five days at a higher altitude. The recommended dosage is 125 mg twice daily.

It’s recommended to continue using it throughout the ascent.

Also, use it for at least 48 hours after you reach your final altitude.

The Himalayan Rescue Association Medical Clinic recommends 125 mg.

Is it necessary to take Diamox while climbing Kilimanjaro?

It is a personal choice for the climber to take Diamox as a preventive measure against acute mountain sickness (AMS)

One should not take any drug without considering all the consequences.

This includes both the positive and negative consequences.

That’s why Blessing Safaris neither recommends nor discourages the use of Diamox.

The decision is up to the Mount Kilimanjaro climber.

Those who have hiked at high altitudes before might know where their acclimatization limits are for the rate of ascent.

If you do, reviewing the route profile and the itineraries will help you decide whether to use Diamox.

Confident people who believe they can adjust to high altitudes probably wouldn’t choose to take Diamox.

For those who have not tested themselves at high altitudes, the choice is much harder.

Nearly everyone would like to summit without taking Diamox.

But at the same time, most people would rather submit with Diamox than not submit at all.

Because of this, taking Diamox makes sense for most people.

It increases the likelihood of reaching the top. It also increases safety.

How do you know whether Diamox is working?

Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations around the mouth and in the hands and feet are common side effects of Diamox.

It suggests the medicine is working. Nearly everyone who takes Diamox notices a metallic taste in carbonated beverages.

Does Diamox Have Side Effects?

As with any drug, Diamox has several side effects of varying severity and varying degrees of investigation.

First, it should be noted that Diamox acts as a diuretic.

Normally, you go to the restroom more often during the days you take the pills, although it does not always manifest.

Also, the registered side effects include a slight tingling sensation on the skin.

All other side effects associated with the drug are either rare or unconfirmed.

Drug manufacturers must list them as a safety precaution.

Nutrition plays a key role in a successful ascension.

The most common fear related to the use of Diamox is gastrointestinal disorders.

Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and melena are described as “infrequent” in clinical practice.

The link between many side effects of the drug and its use is poorly established.

Remember that the effects of altitude sickness develop. The body experiences stress and…

As it adapts, it changes its responses. This includes digestive effects, such as loss of appetite and indigestion.

Unfortunately, some of the side effects of Diamox are similar to the symptoms of AMS.

The side effects of Diamox may be mistaken for AMS.

You’d be turned around on the mountain. You might have felt fine without it.

To avoid this scenario, make sure you won’t have an adverse reaction to Diamox before taking it on the mountain.

You must take it for a day or two at home to see what the effects are.

Do not use it on Kilimanjaro if you experience side effects that could be mistaken for altitude sickness or any side effects you’re not comfortable with.

Who should not take Diamox while climbing Kilimanjaro? 

Do not use Diamox if you have cirrhosis, severe liver or kidney disease, an electrolyte imbalance, adrenal gland failure, or an allergy to Diamox or sulfa drugs.

What to avoid while on Diamox (acetazolamide)?

Be careful when driving or doing anything that requires alertness. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds.

Acetazolamide can make you more prone to sunburn.

Wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors

Conclusion

Finally, you must be in good health and feel well when climbing Kilimanjaro.

This is especially important for enjoying your trek. After all, you don’t want to be suffering at the summit!

If Diamox helps you achieve your goal of a successful Kilimanjaro climb without causing harm, then its preventive use is fully justified.

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