22 May

Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Medication - Considerations For Successful Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

By Jerry Tanzania Tours


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Mount Kilimanjaro is the only freestanding mountain that gives a top of the world experience while standing on the Uhuru peak. It is a mystical land with numerous flora, fauna, abundant wildlife, and magical climatic changes.  Attracting you to this challenging climb offers several options to acclimatize to the altitude condition while climbing. The best one is getting the training and if you have less time to train, you can always have Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Medication and be on a safer side and also tension free while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

As the mountain is 5,500 meters above sea level, it has a very high altitude level which sometimes is a serious problem while on the mountain. Here are a few factors which can solve your Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness.

If early signs of mountain sickness appear, rest for a day at the same altitude. If they persist or increase, descend at least 500 meters. Acetazolamide (Diamox) can use to help prevent mountain sickness when a gradual ascent cannot be guaranteed. It should NOT be used as an alternative to a gradual ascent.

Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro

Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro
Altitude Sickness On Kilimanjaro
Altitude Sickness – “I’m really fit, I’ll be OK, won’t I?”

Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness is in the division of acute mountain sickness is the Physical distress from difficulty in adjusting to the lower oxygen at a higher altitude level. Most of the cases of altitude sickness are mild but it can also be life-threatening.

The Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Symptoms will occur within a few hours after arrival at a higher elevation which has a high-altitude level as well as includes headache, shortness of breath, nausea, and inability to exercise.

Sometimes you will need to move to the lower altitude to make it adjustable to your body condition. Acetazolamide (Diamox) can be used to help prevent AMS.

In Trekking Terminology, Mountain Altitudes Are Divided Into Three Zones
Kilimanjaro Mountain Altitudes Zones
Kilimanjaro Altitude Zones
  1. High Altitude
    The high altitude level starts from 2400 meters to 4200 meters and this ecological zone does not harm the climbers and most of them will cross it without Altitude Training For Kilimanjaro as it is the lower elevation routes.
  2. Very High Altitude
    The very high altitude level starts from 4200 meters to 5400 meters and this ecological zone and covers before the summit attempt. Here the altitude condition becomes more acute and you will need to walk very slowly in this region. This is the place where more people experience adverse symptoms, in short, it requires more use of oxygen. This zone can be difficult for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for Beginners.
  3. Extreme Altitude
    This is an extremely high altitude level above 5400 meters. This zone covers the summit Uhuru peak and if you stay in this zone without Kilimanjaro Safety equipment’s you may not be able to control Altitude sickness.

Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Medication To Avoid

Here are the 5 medications that help acclimatization & combat altitude sickness as per the Altitude Sickness Guide For Kilimanjaro Climbs:

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is used most of the time as a pain killer and also to reduce altitude sickness. If any climber has not been Preparing To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro can take this medication to save from Altitude sickness.

This medication can be taken when you have more or severe headaches due to high altitude and caused due to inflammatory factors that lead to filling up fluid in the brain.

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that is proved for decreasing swelling and inflammation.

So the recommended dosage is 600mg every 8 hours.

Acetazolamide [Diamox]

Acetazolamide or Diamox is a drug that is normally to prevent altitude sickness. The drug helps to improve the acidity of the blood by acting as a diuretic and promoting urination. It is preventive medicine and is advised to consult a doctor before using Diamox as it is a prescription medicine.

It is also recommended that taking Diamox 2-3 days 2 weeks before departure to check if you suffer any side effects.

The medicine Diamox makes you breathe at a faster rate which increases the oxygen levels in your body. You can take this drug if you have any symptoms as this is one of the best Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Medication.

Dexamethasone

This medication is there for the prevention of High Altitude cerebral edema. You should know that HACE is an extreme form of Altitude sickness where the brain starts swelling and may stop working properly.

Dexamethasone is a steroid hormone that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat brain edema. This treats for aiding the symptoms of acclimatization if you are on any route which does not offer Best Acclimatization for Climbing Kilimanjaro.

It is considered an ideal prophylactic agent to reduce the risk of HAPE and AMS.

The recommended dosage is 4mg per 6 hours.

Sildenafil

The sildenafil or commonly called Viagra acts as a vasodilator. It will relax the blood vessels and allowing more blood to flow freely through vessels. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro For Beginners would be challenging, so taking a dosage of Sildenafil will increase oxygen delivery to muscles which further improves physical endurance.

This medication is a proven drug for reducing pulmonary artery pressure and the formation of pulmonary edema fluid which will reduce the risk of heart failure and HAPE while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

The recommended dosage of Sildenafil is 50 milligrams every 8 hours.

Nifedipine

The Nifedipine is similar to Viagra also it controls Altitude sickness. Hence, it is a less potent drug that lowers pulmonary artery pressure. All of a sudden the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker is normally there to treat high BP.

If you do not have any travel insurance then it needs to have at least a Nifedipine.

The recommended dosage of Nifedipine is 20mg slow-release capsule every 8 hours or 30mg slow-release capsule every 12 hours as per Climb Kilimanjaro Guide.

These are the Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Mediations which will provide the best acclimatization for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. However, it recommends taking medications if you are allergic to any of the medicines.

Won't you join us on the Roof of Africa?

Won't you join us on the Roof of Africa?

Jerry Tanzania Tours is one of the no 1 reputable operators on Mount Kilimanjaro, leading over 1000 climbs and guiding more than 2,000 people every year. All agree you won't find a better Kilimanjaro outfitter for your Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Choose From Varied Price Options For Different Routes To Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Get Quotes Instantly! CONTINUE READING

We at Jerry Tanzania Tours, have a team of professionally trained together with experienced guides, porters, and other mountain staff.  Equally important your safety is our first priority. So we would be happy to plan your trip to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

jerry tanzania tours

Jerry Tanzania Tours is one of the no 1 reputable operators on Mount Kilimanjaro, leading over 1000 climbs and guiding 2,000 people every year. We do what we state and are focused on our customers. Because of which we endeavour to push our limits and surpass their desire by giving them the best climbing experience. Won't you join us on the Roof of Africa?

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