The TravelSafe Edinburgh Service is operated by Pharmacy Clinic Edinburgh, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness (also called acute mountain sickness) is a condition that can affect travellers who ascend to high elevations too quickly. It is caused by reduced oxygen pressure at altitude.
Common symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and sleep disturbance.
Altitude sickness is more common above 2500m.
What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness causes symptoms like:
Persistent headache soon after ascent
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fatigue, weakness
Trouble sleeping
Breathlessness on mild exertion
Severe altitude illness (e.g., pulmonary or cerebral oedema) can be life-threatening and requires urgent descent or medical care.
If you are intending to climb above 2500m, you should speak to a Travel Pharmacist to discuss whether treatment may be appropriate for you.
Preventing Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness can be prevented by:
Ascending gradually (don’t climb more than 300–500 m per day once you’re above 2500m)
Planning rest days
Staying well hydrated
Avoiding alcohol and strenuous exertion initially
In some cases, receiving a medicine called Acetazolamide. It’s not licensed for use for altitude sickness in the UK, but it is widely recommended and used internationally when clinically appropriate.
How much does altitude sickness treatment cost?
The consultation is pre-paid at booking, so you only pay a dispensing fee for altitude sickness tablets if they are prescribed.
Our service is standard priced at £2 per tablet of altitude sickness treatment. This also covers the cost of the prescription.
