DIAMOX TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO
DO YOU NEED DIAMOX TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO
Diamox | |
|---|---|
Purpose | Helps climbers acclimatize to the high altitude of Kilimanjaro |
How it works | Increases blood acidity, which causes the body to breathe faster and deeper to get rid of excess carbon dioxide |
Benefits | Can help prevent headaches, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath |
Side effects | Can cause dehydration, frequent urination, and tingling in the hands, feet, and face |
When to take it | Start taking it 24-48 hours before going to high altitude, and continue for at least five days at higher altitude |
- ExperienceClimbers who have hiked at high altitudes before may have an idea of their acclimatization limits.
- Route profileReviewing the route profile and itineraries can help climbers decide if they need Diamox.
- ConfidenceClimbers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize may not need to take Diamox.
- First-time climbersMany first-time climbers choose to take Diamox to improve their chances of reaching the summit.
Diamox helps you acclimatize to high altitudes quicker, which is important given on Kilimanjaro you’ll ascend around 5,000m in 5 days. Diamox does not ‘treat’ altitude sickness. How your body handles high altitudes is largely decided by genetics so if you don’t know how your body fares it’s a good idea to consult a doctor before your trip and pack some diamox to take with you.
WHAT EXACTLY IS DIAMOX?
Diamox is a medication that is typically used to treat glaucoma, epilepsy, and altitude sickness. It works by reducing the amount of bicarbonate in the body, which helps to increase the acidity of the blood. This process helps the body to acclimatize to higher altitudes more quickly.
It’s important to understand that Diamox does not treat altitude sickness. It helps the body acclimatize quicker which in turn reduces the probability of getting altitude sickness.
Diamox is a brand-name drug of the medication ‘acetazolamide’ and can be substituted with a generic off-brand version.
PROPERTY | DESCRIPTION |
Active Ingredient | Acetazolamide |
Side Effects | Tingling in the fingers and toes, increased urination, changes in taste |
Dosage | 125 mg twice daily; may be adjusted based on individual needs |
Price | Varies depending on location and insurance coverage |
HOW DOES DIAMOX ( ACETAZOLAMIDE) WORK?
Diamox works by stimulating the kidneys to excrete bicarbonate, which causes the body to become more acidic. This change in pH causes the body to breathe more, which in turn increases the amount of oxygen in the body. The increased oxygen levels allow the body to acclimatize more quickly to higher altitudes.
SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTION OF DIAMOX
As with any medication, there are potential side effects and interactions that you should be aware of before taking Diamox.
Some of the most common side effects include tingling in the fingers and toes, increased urination, and changes in taste. It is important to speak with a medical professional before taking Diamox if you have a history of kidney or liver problems, allergies to sulfa drugs, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
OTHER USES OF ACETAZOLAMIDE
In addition to treating altitude sickness, Diamox is also used to treat a variety of other conditions. These include glaucoma, epilepsy, and fluid retention.
7 TIPS FOR TAKING DIAMOX ON KILIMANJARO
If you are considering taking Diamox to help with your acclimatization process in Kilimanjaro, there are several factors to keep in mind.
Is Diamox Right for YOU?
The decision to take Diamox should be made in consultation with your doctor. Factors that should be considered include your overall health, any medical conditions you may have, and any medications you are currently taking.
Dosage
The standard dose for Diamox is 125 mg twice daily. However, your doctor may adjust the dose based on your individual needs.
Benefits
One of the main advantages of taking Diamox is that it can help you acclimatize to higher altitudes more quickly. This can help to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and make your climb more enjoyable.
Side Effects:
There are some potential disadvantages to taking Diamox as well. These include potential side effects such as tingling in the fingers and toes, increased urination, and changes in taste. Additionally, Diamox may not be effective for everyone and may not be necessary for those who can acclimatize naturally.
Alternatives To Help Kilimanjaro Acclimatization
If you are unable or unwilling to take Diamox, other methods can help you acclimatize to higher altitudes. These include spending more time at higher altitudes before your climb, staying hydrated, and taking slow and steady steps.
Be Careful taking Ibuprofen
It is important to be careful when taking Ibuprofen while on Diamox, as this combination can increase the risk of kidney stones. Again, consult your doctor.
Be Careful If Also Taking Malaria Medication (Malarone)
If you are taking Malarone to prevent malaria while climbing Kilimanjaro, it is important to be aware of the potential interactions between Malarone and Diamox. These medications may interact with each other and cause side effects. The risk of malaria is low in Kili, but unfortunately, there is still malaria in other parts of Tanzania.
SO IS IT WORTH TAKING DIAMOX ON KILIMANJARO?
Diamox can be a useful tool for those who are climbing Kilimanjaro and are concerned about altitude sickness. However, it is important to speak with a medical professional before taking Diamox and to be aware of the potential side effects and interactions.
Additionally, other methods can be used to help acclimatize to higher altitudes such as Choosing a route with a better acclimatization profile so Diamox may not be necessary for all climbers.
The decision to take Diamox ultimately depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you are concerned about altitude sickness or have a history of altitude sickness, Diamox may be a good option for you.
POINT RECOMMENDATION:
if you don’t know how your body handles this kind of altitude, I would consult a doctor before you leave home and take Diamox with you. You can decide for yourself if you want to take it when you start the hike.
