Pharmacological aspects of prevention of acute mountain sickness

Abstract

To reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness, the demand for prophylactic drugs has increased. The efficacy, side effects and risk factors of acetazolamide, dexamethasone, ibuprofen and Ginkgo biloba were compared. The range and median incidence rates were as follows; 0-62% and 36% for acetazolamide, 10-74% and 30% for dexamethasone, 16-62% and 34% for ibuprofen, 0-65% and 33% for Ginkgo biloba. In terms of the severity of side effects, dexamethasone has the most pronounced impact, and both the severity and occurrence of these side effects are dose-dependent. Reducing the dosage can alleviate both aspects but may come at the cost of its effectiveness against AMS. In conclusion, a combination of western and eastern medicine is a better choice and further analysis is required to find out the best prevention for each person so that doctors can prescribe optimal medications.