D

IAMOX is acetazolamide

prescribed to prevent the high-

altitude-induced sickness. The

altitude related hypoxia impairs

balance of sodium and potassium

in the blood vessels. The medicine restores the

said mineral imbalance. All bodies, however,

neither respond to the medicine nor respond in

the same way. If the drug is

administered prior to and /

or while ascending rapidly, a

less number of low intensity

symptoms of acute mountain

sickness (AMS) may develop.

But if the symptoms of high

altitude cerebral edema (HACE)

or high altitude pulmonary

edema (HAPE) still develop,

descent is the only way to

survive.

If you are allergic to sulfa drugs, do not take it. The

side effects include diarrhea, drowsiness, excessive

urination, nausea, and vomiting. Gradual ascent is

the best way to acclimatize naturally and enjoy the

high altitude wilderness. In some cases, AMS may

occur even after a gradual change in the altitude. The

pill doubles as a preventive measure for AMS.

This “water pill” inhibits functions of the carbonic

anhydrase to reduce or prevent edema, a fluid build-

up in the body. A carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme, a

protein. The anhydrase catalyzes reversible hydration

of carbon dioxide into carbonic acid to promote

transportation of carbon dioxide from the tissues and

release of carbon dioxide from the blood in the lungs.

The carbonic anhydrase offsets the respiratory

alkalosis that develops with increase in altitude.

Respiratory alkalosis is an imbalance of blood

pH. The normal pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45. The

numbers higher than this range are

dubbed as alkalosis, whereas the lower

than this range as acidosis. The alkalosis

is a disorder ascribed to hyperventilation

that means breathing very fast due to

hypoxia.

DIAMOX and DIAMOX Sequels are

brand names of the U.S. Food and Drug

Administration (FDA)-approved drug

sold in two forms, a pill and an injection.

Acetazolamide is a generic name. Faint

yellow to white drug may ameliorate the symptoms

of AMS. The odorless crystalline powder is somewhat

soluble in alcohol and water. Lederle Laboratories

developed acetazolamide, a diuretic that increases

excretion of sodium bicarbonate and causes diuresis.

The diuretic raises urine production, thereby,

facilitating removal of surplus salts, water, poisons,

urea, and the like.

(Note: This medical information is merely for information. You shall

consult a qualified medical professional before administering DIAMOX.)

Gradual ascent

is the best way

to acclimatize

naturally and

enjoy the

high altitude

wilderness.

Decoding DIAMOX

Some More Secrets
Mountain and Your
Body

362

Volume 4, Issue 1 | June 2019