Should I Use Diamox to Climb Kilimanjaro? (Prevent Altitude Sickness/AMS)

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), otherwise known as altitude sickness, is the main cause for failing to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. At 19,341 feet tall, the mountain’s peak lies in the extreme altitude category, which is anything above 18,000 feet.
The standard prescription drug used to prevent and treat AMS is acetazolamide. The drug is also known by the brand name, Diamox. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved acetazolamide in 1953.
Studies have shown that Diamox at a dose of 250 mg every eight to twelve hours before and during rapid ascent results in fewer and less severe symptoms of AMS.
Ninety percent of carbon dioxide in the blood exists in a chemical called bicarbonate. Diamox facilitates the excretion of bicarbonate, which makes the blood more acidic. When the blood gets acidic, the body believes that it has more carbon dioxide in it. To get rid of this excess carbon dioxide, the body increases ventilation. In other words, the user breathes deeper and faster to get rid of the carbon dioxide. And in turn, the user also takes in more oxygen.
So the medication works by acidifying the blood, which causes an increase in respiration, which increases oxygen intake. This is ultimately what helps prevent and treat altitude sickness.
Without Diamox, to adapt to higher altitude, the body counteracts the decrease in oxygen in the atmosphere by instinctively breathing faster and deeper. Diamox does the same, albeit through chemistry, to speed up the acclimatization process.
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VIDEO CONTENTS
0:00 - Intro
0:20 - Diamox
0:46 - How Diamox works
1:50 - Does it mask AMS?
2:04 - Preventative vs. treatment
2:37 - Should I use Diamox?
4:31 - Side effects
5:26 - Other medications and supplements
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[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

For everything you need to know about climbing Kilimanjaro, visit 👉www.ultimatekilimanjaro.com

[@babitan5656]

Thanks for the information sir

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

You're welcome

[@BillBetz]

Just for clarification, I've been told by a pharmacist and my primary care doctor that increased frequency of urination is not a side effect, it is one the primary ways that the drug works, by relieving pressure in the system. It will occur.

[@joleneoberholzer7927]

Did Kilimanjaro this year.Took diamox.Made me really sick.I had pins and needles in my face and hands.I felt dehydrated even after making sure I get my minimal 4litres in a day.

[@fradee2830]

If i go with a large group, would I be allowed to go at a slower pace, should I have symptoms of altitude sickness or be forced to go at the same speed/ not allowed to summit (providing the symptoms are mild enough to handle)?

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

The day hikes are done at a VERY slow pace, by design, so speed should not be an issue.
On the summit attempt, we will separate people into different subgroups if necessary so that we reach the top around the same time, at sunrise.

[@markhatfield5621]

Think I had only two doses and it made me unable to urinate. Quite a problem until it wore off.