Acetazolamide for Altitude Sickness

Acetazolamide is used to help prevent and ease the symptoms of altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness). It works by helping your body adapt more quickly to the lower oxygen levels found at high altitude, reducing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathlessness. 

Take ONE dose of 125mg (half a tablet) TWICE DAILY. Start 1–2 days before your ascent, continue daily as you climb, and keep taking it for 2 days after reaching your highest altitude, or until you begin to descend. Further details will be provided with your medication. 

Yes, your prescription order includes a short 2-day trial of Acetazolamide before you travel. This gives you the chance to see how your body responds to the medication and get used to any mild side effects, such as tingling in the fingers or changes in taste. 

Once the trial is complete, you’ll then take the medication as directed when you begin your ascent. Trialling it first helps confirm the medication is suitable for you, so you can feel more confident using it at altitude. 

• Acetazolamide 250mg (Dosage: 125mg – two half tablets twice a day) 

Common side effects may include: 

• Tingling or pins and needles in the fingers, toes, or face 
• Needing to pass water more often 
• Changes in taste, particularly with carbonated drinks 
• Nausea or mild stomach upset 

Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Full details can be found in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, seek medical advice. 

Acetazolamide may not be suitable for everyone. You should let your healthcare provider know if you: 

• Have kidney or liver problems 
• Have a sulfonamide allergy 
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding 
• Are taking any other medications 

Where possible, avoid alcohol and make sure you stay well hydrated. This medication should only be taken as prescribed and in line with the guidance provided. 

Online medication requests are available to patients aged 18 and over. Anyone under 18 will need to attend a clinic appointment accompanied by a parent or guardian, where their suitability for medication will be assessed by a clinician. 

Any issues relating to returns, damage, or faulty products are dealt with on a case-by-case basis, to ensure a fair and consistent outcome. 

Reporting Procedure 

• To begin, customers should email: masta@speedshealthcare.co.uk 
• The email must include:  
  • Order number 
  • A description of the issue 
  • Photographic evidence where applicable 
• The distributor will then provide the next steps, depending on the nature of the case. 

Please allow up to 5–7 working days for your order to be processed. This covers the online risk assessment review, the prescription stage, and dispensing and dispatch by the supplier. 

Standard Delivery 
Orders are sent out using a Tracked 48-hour courier service. 

Tracking Information 
Tracking details will be issued by the third-party courier, provided that: 

• A valid mobile number and/or 
• A valid email address has been supplied at the time of order. 

Delivery Guarantees 

• Delivery times via third-party couriers cannot be guaranteed. 
• As a result, the distributor is not liable for any delays caused by the courier service. 

If a delivery hasn’t arrived within a reasonable timeframe: 

• The customer should contact MASTA at enquiries@masta.org, providing their order details. 
• MASTA will then open an investigation and, where necessary, arrange for the missing goods to be resupplied. 

The distributor is not responsible for: 

• Delays caused by the courier 
• Failed delivery attempts 
• Contact details provided by the customer that are incomplete or incorrect