Reduced Acetazolamide Dosing for Acute Mountain Sickness Prevention Study: A Comparison of 62.5 vs 125 mg BID (the RAD AMS prevention study)

Advances in the available non-biological pharmacotherapy prevention and treatment of acute mountain sickness and high altitude cerebral and pulmonary oedema

“…The dose of Az for AMS prophylaxis has been recommended at 125 mg -250 mg twice daily (BID), initiating administration the day prior to altitude exposure; however, recent data suggest pre-treatment with low-dose Az (125 mg BID) should be initiated 2 days prior to exposure to altitude [52,53,57]. Studies concerning the effective dosage regimens of Az while at altitude provide evidence favouring reductions in dosage schemes [58,59,60]. Even lower dosages of 62.5 mg BID can be as effective in preventing AMS [59].…”

“…Studies concerning the effective dosage regimens of Az while at altitude provide evidence favouring reductions in dosage schemes [58,59,60]. Even lower dosages of 62.5 mg BID can be as effective in preventing AMS [59]. Hypoxia and, possibly, additional environmental stressors imposed by high altitude exposure may alter drug pharmacokinetics, particularly, in drugs such as Az and, thus, may reduce the clearance of such drugs [61].…”