Drug Use at High Terrestrial Altitudes and in Cold Climates: A Brief Review

Document Type

Article

Authors

David Beeckman, Pennsylvania State University
Elsworth R. Buskirk, Pennsylvania State University

Abstract

Acetazolamide, methazolamide, and spironolactone taken prophylactically generally produce a reduction in the occurrence of symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), but are not a panacea. Such prophylactic use may indirectly improve exercise performance due to the alleviation of A M S symptoms. Dexamethasone, phenytoin, and furosemide effectiveness remains uncertain, and more controlled studies are indicated. Antacids apparently provide no relief from AMS. Valium is contraindicated at altitude because it produces mind altering effects at a time when preservation of mental competence is critical. A report claiming the usefulness of nifedipine in treating High A ltitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) during a mountain climb warrants further investigation. Partial alleviation of the presumably synergestic cold-air and exercise-induced asthma can be achieved in many so afflicted by premedication with cromolyn sodium or its combination with terbutaline sulphate. Attempts to use thyroid hormone or triiodothyronine for the stimulation of heat production and peripheral vasodilators for increasing skin and other peripheral temperatures in order to prevent cold injury to tissue have thus far yielded inconclusive results.

Recommended Citation

Beeckman, David and Buskirk, Elsworth R. (1988) "Drug Use at High Terrestrial Altitudes and in Cold Climates: A Brief Review," Human Biology: Vol. 60: Iss. 5, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol60/iss5/1