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Diamox is a trade name for the prescription drug Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Its principal
medical use is in the treatment of glaucoma, but it has been used successfully by mountaineers to
counter moderate altitude AMS. It works in this context by increasing the excretion of bicarbonate through the kidneys,
and so increasing the acidity of the blood, which helps it to carry more oxygen.
Acetazolamide belongs to the sulfonamide group. Caution is
therefore needed with people who are sensitive to these medications. Side effects which are known and occur most often are: tingling
in finger tops, hands and lips; different sense of taste, ringing in
the ears; increase in urination.
Diamox intake: in most cases, 125mg every 12 hours is enough
(1/2 of the standard 250mg pill).
INFORMATION ON ALTITUDE SICKNESS
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