Description
Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It makes the blood slightly more acidic, which prompts deeper and more frequent breathing and helps the body adjust to the lower oxygen levels found at altitude. Its UK licence covers glaucoma, some forms of epilepsy, and fluid retention; use to prevent or ease acute mountain sickness falls outside that licence, so a prescriber should explain the reasoning and the plan before you travel.
For altitude it is normally started shortly before going higher and continued during the ascent, alongside a sensible rate of climb, which remains the main protection. Tingling in the fingers, toes and lips, passing more urine, and a change in the taste of fizzy drinks are common. Acetazolamide is related to the sulfonamides, so tell your prescriber about any sulfonamide allergy, and about kidney or liver problems and every other medicine you take.
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor in 250mg tablets
- Licensed for glaucoma, some epilepsy and fluid retention
- Use for acute mountain sickness is outside the licence
- A sensible rate of ascent remains the main protection
- Tingling, passing more urine and taste changes are common
- Related to sulfonamides; report any sulfonamide allergy
