Can Dexamethasone Help Reduce Altitude Sickness?

Posted on Sat, 28 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 28 Nov 2015 Answered on

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : How does Dexamethazone work for Altitude Sickness? Ive tried everything else, Ive a daughter and grandchild in the XXXXXXX mountains at 10,000 feet.What are the side effects??
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Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Reduces edema

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Dexamethasone is used in altitude sickness as it helps bring down the cerebral edema. Cerebral edema develops in severe form of altitude sickness leading varied symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, etc. The major side effects on short term use are
1. Irritability
2. Gastritis
3. Hypertension

However I strongly suggest you to bring your grandchild down the mountain a few thousand feet and slowly go up the mountain taking several breaks in between lasting 12-24 hours. This is the best form of treatment for altitude sickness

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad