Do I need Diamox in Quito ?
Replies: 3 - Last Post: Jun 19, 2012 8:45 AM Last Post By: monkeypond
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Do I need Diamox in Quito ?
Just looking for a bit of advice. I took Diamox, as prescribed by my Doctor, just before landing in Peru to try to prevent any altitude problems. We went to a couple of the very high altitude destinations and I only had a little discomfort in the way of shortness of breath & pins and needles in my hands (but we also drank Coca Tea there). Do I need to get some Diamox and take it before landing in Quito - we have about 4 days there. Also - do they drink Coca Tea in Ecuador or is it banned there ? Any suggestions welcomed.1
Quito is a borderline case at @ 2800(ish) meters. The CDC advice is that it´s "benificial and should be considered " to use diamox for flyins to this altitude."I took Diamox, as prescribed by my Doctor, just before landing in Peru to try to prevent any altitude problems." Your doctor has a very separate opinion compared to specialist guidelines ,national health sites etc : start 24 hours before ascent.
2
On my last trip I took Diamox because I was starting some climbing shortly after arriving. However I did not take it the first time arriving in Quito and had no symptons (other than getting winded running up stairs)3
The majority of people acclimatise in a couple of days to Quito and there are some good acclimatising walks/hikes around Quito to help if you are going higher later on.But acclimatisation and effects of altitude are a personal thing!
Mate de Coca (tea) is available here as well as fresh and dried leaves.
