Is Diamox Necessary For Kilimanjaro Climbing?

Is Diamox Necessary For Kilimanjaro Climbing? The majority of hikers, whether novice or seasoned, enjoy traveling to Tanzania to partake in one of the best activities that are offered there, which is none other than making reservations for the Kilimanjaro climb. There are a few things to remember when hiking Kilimanjaro, such as the fact that it is the only free-standing mountain that is non-technical, giving even inexperienced climbers an opportunity to have an unforgettable experience.

Diamox is used specifically to treat acute mountain sickness. It is a diuretic drug that encourages urine output. The main purpose of it is to prevent altitude sickness. That is not a cure, though. Most commonly, it is used to safely reach the summit by delaying the onset of symptoms.

Kilimanjaro Diamox dosage: The dosage suggested by the Wilderness Medical Society is 125 mg taken twice daily, beginning two days prior to the start of your Kilimanjaro climb. The Institute for Altitude Medicine’s Dr. Peter Hackett concurs. According to anecdotal data, a dose half this size can be used as a prophylactic in some people. (Ask your doctor if Diamox is a good choice for you at your next checkup.)

A few weeks prior to your departure for Kilimanjaro, we advise taking Diamox for a 2-4 day period as a “trial run” to evaluate whether you have any negative effects. In this manner, if you do experience any prescription-related adverse effects, they won’t be misdiagnosed as altitude sickness. The summit of Kilimanjaro is considered to be at “extreme altitude” because it is 19,341 feet above sea level. As Uhuru Peak is not Everest, more oxygen is required to climb it safely.

Nonetheless, the main causes of a climber needing to backtrack or failing to reach the summit are altitude sickness and the complications associated with it. Even the fit hikers can experience altitude sickness, and while the ideal method to acclimate is without a doubt to move carefully and give your body time to adjust, there is a drug called Diamox that can speed up the process.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this page or the information it contains is intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or treatment of any disease. Before implementing any of the advice in this article, please speak with a healthcare practitioner.

WHAT IS DIAMOX?

Acetazolamide is a medicine principally used to treat glaucoma, edema (drug-induced or brought on by heart failure), and some types of epilepsy under the brand name Diamox. In the climbing community, it is frequently employed to quicken acclimatization as part of a well-thought-out ascent. You must discuss with your doctor whether this prescription-only oral drug is appropriate for you-thought-out ascent. It might not be appropriate if you have current diseases like liver, kidney, or other organ problems.

The Wilderness Medical Society claims that by accelerating the body’s natural adaptation processes, Diamox administration can greatly lessen the onset and subsequent severity of altitude sickness. Trekkers who take low doses of Diamox together with an effective acclimatization program are less likely to have mountain sickness, and their symptoms are typically milder if they do. This has been proven by numerous studies. Diamox is only used to prevent altitude sickness (prophylaxis), not to treat it.

Is Diamox Necessary For Kilimanjaro Climbing?

HOW DOES DIAMOX WORK?

A sulfonamide drug called acetazolamide compels the kidneys to eliminate bicarbonate. Re-acidifying the blood in this way causes the body to believe that carbon dioxide has built up, which has the effect of stimulating the respiratory system. Increased urination is caused by the diuretic action, and the breathing stimulation frequently helps to reduce the periodic breathing pattern during the night. You’ll breathe more deeply and urinate more if you take Diamox.

DIAMOX SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS

The main side effects that climbers report are:

A rise in urination. Trekkers using Diamox should be aware of this and drink plenty of water to counteract the diuretic’s effects.
Strange tastes in the mouth. It can change the flavor of various foods or beverages for some people.
Numbness or tingling in the extremities, primarily the hands, feet, or face

Most hikers take a trial dosage of Diamox before their climb to rule this out, even though nausea, stomach disruption, dizziness, and confusion are not typical side effects.

Diamox may interfere with other drugs you are already taking; therefore, WebMD advises consulting your doctor and reading the labels of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs to check for possible interactions, Is Diamox Necessary For Kilimanjaro Climbing?.

DOSAGE OF DIAMOX ON KILIMANJARO

The dosage suggested by the Wilderness Medical Society is 125 mg taken twice daily, beginning two days prior to the commencement of your climb. The Institute for Altitude Medicine’s Dr. Peter Hackett concurs. According to anecdotal data, a dose half this size can be used as a prophylactic in some people.

MYTHS ABOUT DIAMOX

There are many myths and legends floating around about the use of Diamox. Here are a few typical ones you might encounter:

Myth: Diamox conceals symptoms of altitude sickness.

Really, it doesn’t. Your body’s natural acclimatization process is accelerated by it. If you are ill, you will still experience symptoms.

Myth: Altitude sickness cannot be prevented by taking Diamox.

Reality: Taking Diamox won’t stop you from getting altitude sickness. It aids in your acclimatization but does not protect you against AMS.

Myth: Taking Diamox will stop AMS from deteriorating as you climb.

Reality: Diamox won’t keep you from getting mountain sickness if you have AMS symptoms.

Myth: Diamox is required to climb Kilimanjaro.

In reality, you don’t. Several climbers have successfully and safely completed Kilimanjaro without it.

Myth: It’s “cheating” to take Diamox to help you adjust.

Reality: It hastens the natural process of acclimatization. After traveling all this distance, you want to increase your chances of summit success.

Myth: Symptoms will worsen if you stop taking Diamox.

Reality: Stopping Diamox during your ascent will cause your acclimatization to resume at the body’s normal rate; it won’t slow it down or make you sick.

IS DIAMOX RIGHT FOR YOU?

That is a question that only your doctor can respond to. No, not if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. It’s up to you if you want to take it; some people vehemently oppose taking medication that isn’t necessary. Others merely want to use every instrument at their disposal to assist them with the elevation, so it is not essential. There is no such thing as right or wrong; it’s all up to you. And undoubtedly your doctor’s, Is Diamox Necessary For Kilimanjaro Climbing?

Ask your doctor if Diamox is a good choice for you when you go in for your checkup. A few weeks prior to your departure for Kilimanjaro, we advise taking Diamox for a 2-4 day period as a “trial run” to evaluate whether you have any negative effects. In this manner, if you do experience any prescription-related adverse effects, they won’t be misdiagnosed as altitude sickness.

OTHER ALTERNATIVES TO HELP ACCLIMATIZATION

Every day, new purportedly “natural” cures for everything from cancer to hair loss appear on the market. With mountain sickness, it’s not any different. There are occasionally untested items that make inflated claims. Diamox is the only drug that consistently performs well in trials. There are some typical ones:

Gingko biloba: Results with gingko biloba appear to be quite erratic. Some research has suggested a potential positive effect, while others have ruled it out.

Coca leaves: often used in South American nations, it is thought that coca leaves might reduce AMS. The majority of the research has found correlation rather than causality.

Beets: Beet juice is frequently consumed by some athletes because it contains dietary nitrite, which is important for blood circulation. Its effectiveness in preventing AMS has not received much research, Is Diamox Necessary For Kilimanjaro Climbing?.

Garlic: According to some anecdotal data, consuming a lot of garlic can improve blood flow and aid in acclimation. Although there are no official studies that support this, it presumably has no negative effects.

A NOTE ABOUT IBUPROFEN

Ibuprofen is typically advised above narcotic painkillers for minor pain treatment when climbing mountains because they might impair breathing and cause other issues when used at high altitudes. Speak with your doctor if you are taking pain medication for any reason.

Before taking ibuprofen for a headache while climbing, it’s necessary to discuss it with your guide. You don’t want to cover up a slight headache because it may be an early indicator of altitude sickness, and you don’t want to risk it getting worse.

A NOTE ABOUT MALARONE AND MALARIA ON KILIMANJARO

Malaria is a constant worry when traveling in Tanzania, as it is throughout most of Africa. You are normally safe when on the mountain because mosquitoes are rarely seen over 6,000 feet. But, you should take into account the fact that you’ll stay in Moshi or Arusha before and after your climb, when you are most vulnerable.

A parasite called malaria is spread by the female anopheles mosquito biting a person. One bite is all it takes to become infected, and the sickness is serious and occasionally fatal.

Consult your doctor about the best anti-malarial prophylaxis for you and your intended vacation destination. With the fewest adverse effects observed, Malarone is a well-known but pricey brand. For additional information, see the Hospital for Tropical Diseases,Is Diamox Necessary For Kilimanjaro Climbing?.

A word concerning Larium: it has been noted that some of its negative effects resemble those of altitude sickness. Antimalarial prophylaxis does not guarantee that you won’t get malaria. The only surefire way to stop it is to take care to avoid getting bitten. Below is how to prevent yourself from getting Malaria:

Keeping inside from dusk until daybreak (the mosquitoes are most active in the evenings).
Wearing a potent insect repellant, especially one containing DEET.
Always sleep with a mosquito net over your bed.
Apply insect repellent to your room, and treat your clothing and bedding.
In the evenings, dress in long sleeves, trousers, and socks.
Stay away from crowded areas, especially at night.

REMEMBER:

Move slowly to give your body time to adjust. Take a leisurely route and don’t rush down the trail.
Drink a lot of water, especially if you’re on Diamox.
If you feel ill, experience a headache, nausea, or any other symptom, tell your guide right away.

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