Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen for AMS Prevention

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a well-known disorder in sojourners to high altitude (>2000m) characterized by headache, nausea and tiredness, akin to hangover-like symptoms. The Lake Louise criteria for AMS was primarily developed to allow uniformity in comparing the prevalence of AMS in different high altitude regions.

Proper acclimatization by gradual ascent to high altitude is the best means of prevention of AMS. However there may be instances when rapid ascents may be necessary. Acetazolamide is the best known drug for the prevention of AMS. Because of its well-known side effects like tingling sensation in the fingers and toes and its potential sulpha allergy (acetazolamide is a sulpha-based drug) problems, alternative drugs in the prevention of AMS have been sought. Recently two randomized controlled trials have shown the usefulness of ibuprofen 600 mg tid orally in the prevention of AMS.

The exact mechanism causing AMS is unknown although evidence points to a process in the central nervous system. The mechanism of headache, the main feature in most AMS patients, is probably multifactorial with various chemical and mechanical factors activating a final common pathway, the trigeminovascular system. Triggering factors associated with high altitude hypoxia leading to AMS may include arachidonic acid metabolites amongst others such as serotonin, histamine, and nitric oxide. The response in AMS prevention to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids provides indirect evidence of arachidonic acid pathway and inflammation in the genesis of AMS.

But in contrast, the role of drugs such as acetaminophen which primarily provide analgesia by blunting the meningovascular receptors known to mediate nociception is unknown in the prevention of AMS. Crucially if acetaminophen can prevent AMS the gastric irritation and possible gastrointestinal bleeding which are well known side effects of ibuprofen would not be encountered. In addition acetaminophen like ibuprofen and (unlike acetazolamide) is easily available over the counter.

Therefore, the investigators hypothesize that acetaminophen in adequate dosage ( 1 g tid) will be as effective as ibuprofen ( 600 mg tid) in the prevention of AMS.

Western trekkers will be randomly administered either acetaminophen or ibuprofen in a double blind fashion at 4300m where the investigators will enroll the participants. Then, at 5000 m at Lobuje after 48 to 96 hours the investigators will re-examine with the Lake Louise Questionnaire (LLQ) to see their AMS status. The investigators will also check the pulse oximeter.

Sample Size:

With a variable alpha 5%, power 80%, control 34% (based on previous studies) and experimental group 18%, the sample size arrived at (using http://www.sealedenvelope.com/power/binary-superiority/ ) was 115 per arm, a total of 230 participants. With a 20 % drop out the final number the investigators require is 288 participants.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy subjects between the ages of 18 and 65, male or female, non-Nepali, without AMS or any concurrent illness, and not already taking NSAIDs and acetazolamide or any other drug for the prevention of altitude illness. Subjects will be enrolled by study administrators en route directly to Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar between the villages of Pheriche/Dingboche and Lobuche.

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals not meeting inclusion criteria, including mild AMS (more than one mild symptom on the Lake Louise Questionnaire) or significantly depressed oxygen saturation (<75%); females known to be pregnant, cannot exclude the possibility of being pregnant, or have missed menses by over 7 days; individuals who have spent 24 hours at an altitude of 4500 meters/14,000 feet within the last 9 days; anyone known to have taken any of the following in the last 2 days: acetazolamide (Diamox®), steroids (dexamethasone, prednisone), theophylline, or diuretics (Lasix®); individuals who have a known intracranial space occupying lesion or a history of elevated intracranial pressure, (i.e. tumors, hydrocephalus, etc).