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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Intake Of Diamox Help In Preventing Altitude Sickness?

Regarding Diamox I am hiking in California July of this year 2016. Landing in San Francisco from Texas, then by car to Yosemite (4,000 ft) then hiking to 9,000 on the next day or two. Then to 11,000 ft on day 4 or five then down and up for 6 or 7 more days. 64 yr old male, 160 lbs 5 8 , other than my history below, very active (obviously) and reasonably fit. I hiked lower levels in the last 2 months from sea level to 9,900 but that was over a period of 4 weeks or so. I had a heart attack March 2015 (LAD) 2 stints, then follow up 2 more in November 2015 on right descending arteries. Metropolol, Effient, aspirin, omeprezole, metFormin (profhylactic), westhroid, and zolpidiem. With this quick altitude gain, is the Diamox necessary and proper? thank you
Tue, 31 Dec 2019
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Yes, Diamox does help in preventing high altitude sickness. Diamox (Acetazolamide) basically a diuretic ('water pill') by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase it helps to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness.

It is found to be effective in persons who are rapidly transported to altitudes higher than 4,000 m. It should be taken twice daily 24 hours before ascent and continued for 48 hours while at high altitude, or longer as necessary to control symptoms.

Generally it is well tolerated however it may cause paraesthesia, polyuria, metallic taste and allergic rash.

When taken along with metformin, Diamox may increase the risk of a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening condition known as lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood.

Lactic acidosis is more likely to occur if you are exposed to hypoxic conditions (decreased oxygen levels). The signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis such as fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, and increasing drowsiness.

In view of the above you should ask your doctor to lower the dose of metformin or to prescribe an alternate effective medicine for diabetes.

There is no other documented harmful interactions between Diamox and other medications that you have been taking.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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Does Intake Of Diamox Help In Preventing Altitude Sickness?

Hello, Yes, Diamox does help in preventing high altitude sickness. Diamox (Acetazolamide) basically a diuretic ( water pill ) by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase it helps to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is found to be effective in persons who are rapidly transported to altitudes higher than 4,000 m. It should be taken twice daily 24 hours before ascent and continued for 48 hours while at high altitude, or longer as necessary to control symptoms. Generally it is well tolerated however it may cause paraesthesia, polyuria, metallic taste and allergic rash. When taken along with metformin, Diamox may increase the risk of a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening condition known as lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Lactic acidosis is more likely to occur if you are exposed to hypoxic conditions (decreased oxygen levels). The signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis such as fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, and increasing drowsiness. In view of the above you should ask your doctor to lower the dose of metformin or to prescribe an alternate effective medicine for diabetes. There is no other documented harmful interactions between Diamox and other medications that you have been taking. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician