Travelling can be one of life’s greatest joys, offering the chance to explore new destinations and experience new adventures. However, it can also present unique challenges, particularly when it comes to your health. For those venturing to high altitudes or embarking on journeys involving winding roads or turbulent seas, the right medication can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable trip.

At Murrays Chemist Travel Clinic, we often get asked about the differences between altitude sickness medication and travel sickness tablets. While both can be incredibly useful for travellers, they address different conditions and are designed to work in distinct ways. Let’s break down the key differences so you can make an informed decision for your next adventure.

What Is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when your body struggles to adjust to lower oxygen levels at higher elevations. It’s most common when ascending rapidly to altitudes above 2,500 metres, such as during mountain climbing, hiking, or travelling to high-altitude cities.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

• • – Headaches
  • – Nausea or vomiting
  • – Dizziness
  • – Shortness of breath
  • – Fatigue

If left untreated, altitude sickness can progress to more severe conditions like high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE), both of which can be life-threatening.

What Is Travel Sickness?

Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, occurs when your inner ear, eyes, and sensory nerves send conflicting signals to your brain about your body’s movement. This confusion often happens during car, boat, or air travel.

Symptoms of Travel Sickness

• • – Nausea or vomiting
  • – Sweating
  • – Dizziness
  • – Headaches
  • – Fatigue

Travel sickness is usually less severe than altitude sickness and typically subsides once the motion stops or your body adjusts.

Altitude Sickness Medication

Altitude sickness medication, such as acetazolamide (Diamox), works by helping your body adjust to lower oxygen levels. It’s a preventative and treatment option for AMS, promoting acclimatisation and reducing the severity of symptoms.

How It Works

Increases the amount of oxygen in your blood.

Helps your body adjust more quickly to altitude changes.

When to Take It

Ideally, 24–48 hours before ascending to high altitudes.

Continue taking it for several days after reaching your destination.

Key Benefits

Prevents severe altitude sickness.

Reduces the risk of complications like HAPE or HACE.

Travel Sickness Tablets

Travel sickness tablets, such as cinnarizine or hyoscine (scopolamine), target the signals in your brain that cause nausea and dizziness during motion. They are specifically designed for motion-related discomfort and do not address altitude-related issues.

How They Work

Block receptors in the brain that cause motion sickness symptoms.

Help reduce nausea and dizziness.

When to Take Them

Typically, 30 minutes to 1 hour before travelling.

Can be taken during travel if symptoms arise.

Key Benefits

Effective for short-term relief of motion sickness.

Available in non-drowsy formulations for daytime use.

Key Differences Between the Two

Condition Treated

Altitude Sickness Medication: Prevents and treats altitude sickness by aiding acclimatisation.

Travel Sickness Tablets: Alleviate motion-related symptoms during travel.

Duration of Use

Altitude Sickness Medication: Used over several days or weeks for prolonged high-altitude exposure.

Travel Sickness Tablets: Used for the duration of the journey.

Mode of Action

Altitude Sickness Medication: Helps the body adapt to environmental changes.

Travel Sickness Tablets: Blocks nausea and dizziness signals in the brain.

Suitability

Altitude Sickness Medication: Ideal for mountain climbers, trekkers, or travellers to high-altitude regions.

Travel Sickness Tablets: Suitable for car journeys, flights, boat trips, or amusement park rides.

Choosing the Right Medication

When deciding between altitude sickness medication and travel sickness tablets, consider the type of travel you’re undertaking and the symptoms you’re likely to experience.

High-Altitude Travel: If you’re visiting a destination with significant elevation, altitude sickness medication is essential for preventing serious health issues.

Motion-Based Travel: For journeys involving cars, planes, or boats, travel sickness tablets will keep nausea and dizziness at bay.

In some cases, you may need both types of medication. For example, if you’re flying to a high-altitude location, travel sickness tablets can help manage discomfort during the flight, while altitude sickness medication ensures a smooth acclimatisation process once you arrive.

How Murrays Chemist Can Help

At Murrays Chemist, we provide expert advice and access to both altitude sickness medication and travel sickness tablets. Our pharmacists can help you choose the right medication based on your travel plans and individual needs.

We also offer additional travel health services, including vaccinations, first aid kits, and tips for staying healthy abroad. With our support, you can ensure you’re fully prepared for your next adventure.

Be Prepared for Every Journey

Whether you’re exploring the mountains or cruising along scenic roads, being prepared is key to enjoying your travels. Understanding the differences between altitude sickness medication and travel sickness tablets ensures you have the right tools to stay comfortable and healthy.

Contact Murrays Chemist today for personalised travel advice and all the essentials you need to stay fit for your journey. Let us help you make your next trip safe and enjoyable.

This blog was written on behalf of Murray’s Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.