The specific aim of this study is to evaluate if ibuprofen will be equivalent to acetazolamide and superior to placebo and in decreasing the incidence of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in travelers to high altitude. It has been shown that ibuprofen taken 3 times a day 6 hours prior to ascent is effective for the prevention of AMS, with a number needed to treat of 4, decreasing the odds of getting AMS by a third. (Lipman et al, 2012, Annals of Emergency Medicine). The efficacy appears to be similar to acetazolamide, with a NNT of 3 -8 (van Patot, Basnyat),although these two medications have not been directly compared in prevention of AMS. Acetazolamide is diuretic that is the only FDA approved AMS prophylactic medication and the most commonly used drug for AMS prevention. (survey in Annapurna circuit, High Altitude Biology 2015). Although acetazolamide has been given a 1A indication, it has been shown to limit exercise capabilities at high altitude (Bradwell, 2014), and rapid ascent has been shown to attenuate its protective effects (Jackson, et al., 2010). It is unknown if a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory can provide protection from AMS equivalent to acetazolamide. This double blind randomized placebo-controlled trial will compare placebo (the standard of care - information on symptom recognition and prevention of altitude sickness) with the widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen to acetazolamide. Our study population is hikers who are ascending at their own rate under their own power in a true hiking environment at the White Mountain Research Station, Owen Valley Lab (OVL) and Bancroft Station (BAR), Bancroft Peak, White Mountain, CA.

Visit #53427 @White Mountain Research Center

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Reservation Members(s)

Carrie Jurkiewkz Aug 3 - 4, 2018 (2 days)
Grant Lipman Aug 3 - 4, 2018 (2 days)
Group of 20 Volunteer Aug 3 - 4, 2018 (2 days)
Grant Lipman Aug 4 - 5, 2018 (2 days)
Patrick Burns Aug 4 - 5, 2018 (2 days)
Grant Lipman Aug 10 - 11, 2018 (2 days)
Patrick Burns Aug 10 - 11, 2018 (2 days)
Grant Lipman Sep 21 - 22, 2018 (2 days)
Patrick Burns Sep 21 - 22, 2018 (2 days)
Group of 25 Volunteer Sep 21 - 22, 2018 (2 days)
Group of 33 Volunteer Sep 28 - 29, 2018 (2 days)
Group of 2 Professional Sep 28 - Oct 29, 2018 (32 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Owens Valley Station, Room & Board 22 Aug 3 - 4, 2018
Barcroft Station, Room & Board 21 Aug 4 - 5, 2018
Owens Valley Station, Room & Board 26 Aug 10 - 11, 2018
Barcroft Station, Room & Board 25 Aug 11 - 12, 2018
Owens Valley Station, Room & Board 34 Sep 21 - 22, 2018
Barcroft Station, Room & Board 34 Sep 22 - 23, 2018
Owens Valley Station, Room & Board 35 Sep 28 - 29, 2018
Barcroft Station, Room & Board 35 Sep 29 - 30, 2018