Acetazolamide (Diamox)

Buy Acetazolamide Online

Acetazolamide is a medication that can help prevent and relieve symptoms of altitude sickness by speeding up the acclimatisation process. It causes the body to think it has excess carbon dioxide, which it tries to get rid of through deeper and more regular breathing.

In doing so, the body increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which helps reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Please note:

• Diamox (Acetazolamide 250mg tablets) is supplied as an 'off-label' medicine. Click here for further information
• Before proceeding with a consultation, you must read the altitude sickness/Acetazolamide medical information. Click here for further information

When to Use Acetazolamide Tablets?

Acetazolamide is often used to prevent or treat acute mountain sickness, speeding up acclimatisation.

Many people take it when ascending to an altitude exceeding 10,000 feet to prevent prophylaxis. If you're using it as a preventative measure, you should take the medicine up to 48 hours before your ascent, giving it time to work.

However, Acetazolamide is also beneficial for treating mild to moderate cases of AMS. It can speed up the recovery process, preventing nausea and headaches.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) Age Restrictions

In most cases, Acetazolamide Tablets are suitable for adults and children over 12 years old. While you may give it to younger children, it depends on their age and size. Please always seek advice from a healthcare professional before administering it to a child under 12.

How to Use Acetazolamide Tablets for High Altitude Sickness?

When using Acetazolamide, please follow your doctor's instructions as the dosages differ for preventing and treating acute mountain sickness.

Prevention Dose

The general dose for adults and children over 12 is 125mg, which you'll take every 12 hours. Please begin taking the medication between 24 and 48 hours before reaching an altitude of 2,500 and 3,000 metres.

For example, if you're planning to visit a high-altitude city on Tuesday, it's best to begin your treatment on Sunday or Monday.

Once you begin your descent or are used to the higher altitude, you can stop the treatment.

Treatment Dose

The treatment dose is often higher than the preventative dose, as it reduces your symptoms. In most cases, you'll take 250mg twice daily.

Please note that if your symptoms worsen or the medication doesn't work, it's essential to descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible.

Key Instructions:

• If you're prone to an upset stomach or are experiencing nausea, it's best to take the tablet with food.
• Always stay hydrated when using Acetazolamide, as it can prevent dehydration.

When to Avoid Using Acetazolamide?

While Acetazolamide is usually safe, there may be some cases when you should avoid it, including:

• Allergies: As a sulphonamide derivative, the medication might not be suitable if you're allergic to the substance.
• Kidney and Liver Disease: Individuals with severe kidney problems, kidney stones, or liver issues should avoid using Acetazolamide, as it can cause impaired function and hepatic encephalopathy - especially if you have severe liver problems.
• Acidosis: The medication creates a mild metabolic acidosis, so it's usually unsuitable if you already have the condition.
• Electrolyte Imbalances: People prone to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration should also avoid using the medicine.
• Adrenal Gland Failure: Taking the medicine with conditions like Addison's Disease could result in impaired adrenal gland function.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) Precautions:

• Pregnancy: Most people should avoid using Acetazolamide during the first trimester of pregnancy. Using it during the later stages of pregnancy depends on your doctor's advice.
• High Blood Pressure: If you're using high blood pressure medicines, please speak to your doctor before using the medicine.
• High-Dose Aspirin: Taking AMS medicine with high-dose aspirin can potentially result in toxicity.
• Lung Diseases: People with lung diseases like emphysema or COPD may experience worsening symptoms.
• Diabetes: Acetazolamide can also interfere with your blood sugar. While you can use it with diabetes, you should monitor your levels.
• Other Medicines: Individuals taking medications like Lithium, Warfarin, diabetes medicines, and prescription-only medicine should tell their doctor before using altitude sickness treatment.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) Ingredients

The primary ingredient is Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor with therapeutic effects. Inactive ingredients include:

• Binders and Fillers: Including corn starch, lactose monohydrate, povidone, and glycerin.
• Sodium Starch Glycolate
• Lubricants: Including talc and Magnesium Stearate