Acetazolamide for Altitude Sickness

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

High altitude travel can lead to inflammation in the body and activation of innate immune cells. The investigators' prior research demonstrates that 1 to 3 days at 3800 m elevation leads to increased expression of genes in blood cells that code for proteins that signal cell damage (damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)), cell receptors involved in innate immune responses, as well as increases in monocyte and neutrophil cells which promote inflammation. This study will investigate the potential mechanisms underlying these effects using the drug Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor which is known to reduce symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I do not have any serious or recently treated infections.
* Must be fluent in the English language
I am between 18 and 65 years old.
See 7 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Testing

Participants complete baseline testing at low altitude, including physiological parameters and ventilatory chemoreflex testing

1 week
1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive Acetazolamide or placebo starting 2 days before ascent and continue for 3 days at high altitude

5 days
Daily monitoring at high altitude

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for immune response and acute mountain sickness symptoms after return to baseline elevation

30 days
2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Acetazolamide

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Active Control

Placebo Group

Group I: Acetazolamide treatmentActive Control1 Intervention
Group II: Placebo TreatmentPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Riverside

Lead Sponsor

Trials
33
Recruited
14,400+