Acetazolamide Tablets
£28.00
Used to help reduce the likelihood of developing symptoms during ascent, particularly when gaining height quickly or trekking.
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Description
What is Acetazolamide 250mg Tablets?
Acetazolamide 250mg Tablets is a prescription-only medicine used to help prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness in individuals travelling to high-altitude destinations.
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), can occur when ascending to high altitudes too quickly, where oxygen levels are lower than at sea level. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath.
At The Kingston Pharmacy, Acetazolamide 250mg Tablets are supplied as part of our clinician-led altitude sickness service following a suitability assessment by our clinicians.
Available Strengths
Acetazolamide is available as:
- 250mg tablets
The dosage prescribed will depend on your travel itinerary, planned altitude and individual medical circumstances.
Our clinicians will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your travel requirements.
How Does Acetazolamide Work?
Acetazolamide works by helping your body adapt more quickly to lower oxygen levels encountered at high altitude.
The medication increases breathing rate and improves the body’s ability to maintain oxygen levels, helping to speed up the natural acclimatisation process. This can reduce the likelihood and severity of altitude sickness symptoms when ascending to higher elevations.
Acetazolamide is most effective when started before ascent and used alongside sensible altitude precautions, including gradual ascent and adequate hydration.
Treatment may help to:
- Reduce the risk of altitude sickness
- Support faster acclimatisation
- Reduce headaches associated with altitude
- Improve comfort during ascent
- Support safer travel at high altitude
For best results, treatment should be combined with gradual ascent, adequate hydration and adherence to recommended altitude guidelines.
Who May Be Suitable for Acetazolamide 250mg Tablets?
You may be suitable for treatment if you:
- Are aged 18 years or over
- Are travelling to high-altitude destinations
- Are planning rapid ascent to higher elevations
- Have previously experienced altitude sickness
- Wish to reduce the risk of developing altitude sickness symptoms
All patients must complete a clinical assessment before treatment can be prescribed.
How to Use Acetazolamide 250mg Tablets
Acetazolamide tablets should be taken exactly as directed by your clinician.
Treatment is typically started one to two days before ascent and continued whilst ascending and for a short period after reaching your highest sleeping altitude.
Tablets should be swallowed with water and may be taken with or without food.
Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your clinician and take the medication exactly as prescribed.
Potential Benefits
When prescribed appropriately, Acetazolamide may:
- Help prevent altitude sickness
- Support faster acclimatisation to high altitude
- Reduce the severity of altitude-related symptoms
- Improve comfort during travel
- Support safer high-altitude trekking and expeditions
- Provide clinician-supervised travel health support
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Acetazolamide can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects may include:
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers, toes or face
- Increased urination
- Altered taste sensation, particularly with fizzy drinks
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Mild stomach upset
These effects are usually mild and temporary.
Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and consult your healthcare professional if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start taking Acetazolamide?
Treatment is usually started one to two days before ascending to high altitude. Your clinician will advise the most appropriate timing based on your travel plans.
Will Acetazolamide completely prevent altitude sickness?
No medication can guarantee complete protection. Acetazolamide helps reduce the risk and severity of symptoms, but gradual ascent remains the most effective way to prevent altitude sickness.
Can I still exercise and trek while taking Acetazolamide?
Yes. Acetazolamide is commonly used by travellers, trekkers and climbers visiting high-altitude destinations. However, you should follow recommended acclimatisation guidelines and listen to your body if symptoms develop.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Do I need a GP prescription?
No. Acetazolamide 250mg Tablets are a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) but it doesn’t require a GP prescription. At the Kingston pharmacy we can be supply it following assessment by a qualified prescribing clinician.
Our Altitude Sickness Service
At The Kingston Pharmacy, we provide a personalised, clinician-led altitude sickness service designed to help you prepare safely for travel to high-altitude destinations.
Before treatment can be prescribed, you will complete a confidential online consultation covering your:
- Travel destination
- Planned maximum altitude
- Travel itinerary
- Medical history
- Current medications
- Previous experience of altitude sickness
Your consultation will be carefully reviewed by one of our qualified clinicians, who will assess whether treatment is safe and appropriate for you. If suitable, a personalised treatment plan will be created based on your travel plans and individual needs.
Flexible Delivery and Collection Options
Once your prescription has been approved, you can choose the option that works best for you:
- Free in-store collection from The Kingston Pharmacy at a time convenient to you.
- Secure home delivery directly to your chosen address, ensuring your medication arrives safely and discreetly.
We aim to make accessing treatment as simple and convenient as possible, allowing you to focus on preparing for your trip.
Important Information
Acetazolamide 250mg Tablets are not suitable for everyone and should only be used under appropriate medical supervision.
Acetazolamide may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions, including severe kidney disease, severe liver disease, certain electrolyte imbalances, or allergies to sulfonamide medicines. Your clinician will assess your suitability during the consultation process.
This treatment should be used alongside appropriate acclimatisation measures and sensible altitude precautions. Individual responses to treatment may vary.
Always use medicines exactly as prescribed.
Additional information
| When you need it | For quick ascends |
|---|---|
| When to start | Taken 2 days before ascent |