Effect of spironolactone on acute mountain sickness

This study examined the effectiveness of spironolactone as a prophylactic agent for the prevention of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Spironolactone, 25 mg PO QID, or placebo was administered to nine subjects in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Medication was given for 48 h prior to and during a 46-h exposure to 427 mm Hg (4570 m) in a hypobaric chamber. Six subjects demonstrated prevention of either the cerebral or respiratory symptoms of AMS during at least one segment of the altitude sojourn.