Diamox and Ginko biloba

[suresh]

Iam starting EBC trek on 8th May. I live in UK and my local GP has refused to prescribe Diamox tablets. and has asked me to contact a Private GP. Iam leaving in two days for India before heading towards Nepal, is there a possibilty to get Diamox tablets in KTD.

I bought some Gigko Biloba tablets from a health store. Please could you help me understand if there is any benefit in taking the above.

Any pointers to websites will also help.

thanks again for your replies

Suresh

[Sharon]

There are several grocery store and pharmacies that you can purchase the diamox very reasonably. Cipro as well which I carry while trekking just in case. Two are in sight of the Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel.

[suresh]

Thanks Sharon

Could you highlight me as to when I should start taking them and prefreably dosage and what intervals in a day.

What's cipro ?

Thanks again, you have been helping me with all the queries.

suresh

[Sharon]

I never used Diamox. I carried it just in case. Stay well hydrated, don't drink alcohol while ascending, garlic soup ...Cipro is an antibiotic.
http://www.ciwec-clinic.com/altitude/alti2.html

Lot's of reading on the topic on line

[andrees]

First: You can get diamox and other drugs without prescription or problems at many pharmacies in Kathmandu. It is a very cheap but genuine brand from India. As Diamox an Co are no very often used drugs, the chance of a fake product are pretty low.

More Important
Diamox ist just a drug helping for the light symptoms of AMS . It will help you to sleep better in night and sometimes for headaches.

If you get serious problems like HACE ( high Altitude Cerebral Edema) it is not helping at all. In this case the only reasonable drug is Dexamethasone ( first 8 mg than 8 mg every 6 hours)
You can buy it for about 10 Rupies and it can save a life.

If you have HAPE = High Altitude Pulmonaria Edema the only reasonable drug is Nifedifine, which can also be pruchased for little money.
for the symptoms please read the medical section in LP or see the excellent and little book High Altitude Medicine which I bought at pilgrims book shop.

[James]

Don't forget, if you have mild symptoms of AMS do not climb higher until symptoms are gone - don't let anyone force you higher. And if you have HACE or HAPE then you must descend and keep descending until the symptoms end, medicated or not. This is life and death stuff. No one with any form of altitude sickness should be left alone. This includes your Nepali guides and porters.

I strongly recommend getting and bringing a Nepal trekking guide like the guide like from the Lonely Planet or Jamie McGinness. They provide wonderful insights and make a good reference in the field. This also approaches the subject of getting good rescue insurance. It is the best insurance you hope you never use.

Have a great trip!