DIAMOX ON KILIMANJARO
Diamox (Acetazolamide) on Kilimanjaro
About Diamox During Your Kilimanjaro Expedition
Re Leone Tanzania Safaris, your safety and well-being on the mountain are our top priorities. One of the most common questions climbers ask during their Kilimanjaro preparation is about the use of Diamox (Acetazolamide) to prevent altitude sickness.
Diamox is a medication originally developed for conditions such as glaucoma, sleep apnea, epilepsy, and hypertension. However, it is also widely prescribed as a preventative treatment to reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) – the main challenge climbers face at high altitude.
What is Diamox?
Diamox (generic name: Acetazolamide) is a diuretic (promotes urine production) and a prophylactic medication (taken to prevent, not cure, altitude sickness).
It works as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which essentially means it increases the excretion of bicarbonate through urine. This process makes the blood slightly more acidic, tricking the body into thinking there is excess carbon dioxide. In response, the body increases breathing rate and depth, improving oxygen intake – which supports acclimatization at altitude.
Diamox and Altitude Sickness
By helping the body adjust to reduced oxygen levels, Diamox reduces the likelihood and severity of AMS symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. While it is not a substitute for proper acclimatization, it can be a helpful tool during your Kilimanjaro climb.
However, consult your doctor before using Diamox to ensure it is safe for you, especially if you have medical conditions such as kidney or liver disease, or if you are pregnant.
At Re Leone Tanzania Safaris, we recommend testing Diamox 2–3 days for about two weeks before your trip to check for side effects.
Common Side Effects of Diamox
- Frequent urination – expected for everyone. Stay well-hydrated to avoid dehydration and reduce kidney stone risk.
- Tingling or numbness in fingers, toes, or face – common but harmless.
- Taste changes – some foods may taste unusual.
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea – uncommon but possible. These symptoms may resemble AMS, so testing beforehand is essential.
- Drowsiness or confusion – rare but can also be mistaken for AMS.
Recommended Dosage
Diamox is usually prescribed in 250mg tablets. The most common dosage for Kilimanjaro climbers is:
- ½ tablet in the morning and ½ tablet in the evening.
- Begin one day before your climb and continue throughout the ascent.
- You may stop taking Diamox during descent.
