Altitude sickness doesn't care about your fitness level. It comes down to how fast you ascend and whether you're prepared. Get your Diamox prescription from a travel pharmacist in Manor Park.
We are Regulated by
leading clinical authorities
Book your consultation online or by phone, available seven days a week.
Pharmacists review travel itinerary and medical history to assess altitude sickness risk.
If appropriate, we issue a private prescription and dispense medication the same day.
At high altitudes, the air is thinner with less oxygen, making your body work harder. Most people feel effects above 2500 metres, but this varies with ascent speed. The issue is not altitude itself but how quickly you ascend.
Your body can adapt by producing more red blood cells and adjusting breathing over time. Ascending too fast causes altitude sickness. Fitness, age, and experience do not predict risk; the key factor is the speed of gaining altitude.
There are three recognised forms of altitude sickness, ranging from mild to life-threatening.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most common form. It is usually mild and manageable with rest, hydration, or medication.
High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) is a fluid building up in the lungs. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate descent and urgent treatment.
High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HAPCE) is fluid building up in the brain. Like HACE, it is rare and can be life-threatening. Immediate descent and emergency care are crucial.
Altitude sickness symptoms often start with a headache. This is usually the earliest and most consistent warning sign. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, and disrupted sleep.
Mild symptoms do not always mean the condition will stay mild. If you continue ascending without allowing acclimatisation time, symptoms can progress quickly. Breathlessness at rest, a dry cough, confusion, stumbling, or a severe headache that won’t go away are signs of a serious issue.
If any of these signs appear, do not continue ascending. Descend and seek medical attention.
Altitude sickness can occur anywhere above 2500 metres. Here are popular high-altitude trips for London travellers. Each has a different risk level based on how you climb. Confirm your specific itinerary at the consultation.
Diamox (Acetazolamide) is the standard medication for altitude sickness. It helps with both prevention and treatment. It works by helping the body acclimatise faster to reduced oxygen levels. Your pharmacist will check the right dosage for your trip and health needs during your consultation.
Oral tablet
When to Start
1 to 2 days before ascending to altitude
Typical Course
Throughout ascent and for 2 days after reaching maximum altitude
Available For
Adults and children; confirm age eligibility at consultation
Prescription Type
Private prescription issued same day
Price
From £28
Diamox commonly causes tingling in the hands and feet. It may cause more frequent urination and a metallic taste when you drink carbonated drinks.
These are generally mild and expected. Rarely, some people experience blurred vision or a skin rash.
Tell our pharmacist about any allergies or health issues before your consultation. They will consider this when prescribing.
Diamox works for many travellers going to high altitudes. Our pharmacist will check if it's right for you during your consultation.
You should book your altitude sickness consultation at least two weeks before you travel. Diamox is started one to two days before ascending, so you need time to collect your prescription and allow for any questions about side effects.
If your trip is coming up soon, contact us directly. We will do our best to see you quickly.
Travellers from across East London come to us because we combine qualified pharmacist-led care with same-day prescriptions and a genuinely convenient Manor Park location.
We are not a prescription relay service. Your consultation and prescription come from the same qualified pharmacist.
We issue and dispense your prescription at the same appointment, where stock allows. No waiting around.
We review your full itinerary and medical history, not just hand over a tablet. Your safety matters more than speed.
Book directly online or by phone. There is no need to go through your GP surgery first.
We are open until 21:00 Monday to Saturday and from 10:00 to 18:00 on Sundays at our Manor Park, East London location.