Ibuprofen reduces mountain sickness

A STUDY involving hikers on a US mountain has found ibuprofen can reduce the incidence, and possibly severity, of altitude-related ‘acute mountain sickness’ (AMS).

The 86 hikers were randomised to receive either three doses of 600mg of ibuprofen or a placebo, administered over two days as they transitioned to an ultimate height of 12,570 feet above sea level.

Under half (43%) of those taking ibuprofen reported AMS compared to 69% in the placebo group. Symptom severity was also reduced though the result was non-significant.

“Ibuprofen could be a way to prevent AMS in a significant number of the tens of millions of people who travel to high altitudes each year,” the authors said.

Ann Emerg Med 2012, online 20 Mar