Effect of Acetazolamide on Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Women and Men at High Altitude

HighCycle: Effect of Acetazolamide on Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Women Compared to Men. A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Parallel Trial.

Phase 4 Interventional University of Zurich · NCT06498505

This study tests if a medication called acetazolamide can help prevent altitude-related problems by lowering blood pressure in the lungs for healthy men and women traveling to high altitudes.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment270 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 44 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Zurich Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bishkek, Bishkek)
Trial IDNCT06498505 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the impact of acetazolamide on pulmonary artery pressure in healthy men and women traveling to an altitude of 3600 meters. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either acetazolamide or a placebo. The study specifically focuses on comparing the effects between genders, particularly in premenopausal women. The trial aims to gather data on how this medication can help prevent altitude-related complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy, non-smoking men and women aged 18-44 who live at lower altitudes and meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, nursing, or have certain health conditions or recent altitude exposure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective prevention strategies for high altitude-related health issues, particularly for women.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on acetazolamide have been conducted, this specific focus on gender differences at high altitude is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy, non-smoking men and women, age 18-44 years, without any diseases and need of regular medication (including oral contraceptives).
* BMI \>18 kg/m2 and \<30 kg/m2
* Born, raised and currently living at altitudes \<1000 m
* Written informed consent
* Premenopausal women with an eumenorrheic cycle

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other types of contraceptvies (hormonal intrauterine device, vaginal ring, subcutaneous injections or implants, among others)
* Pregnancy or nursing
* Anaemic (haemoglobin concentration \<10g/dl)
* Any altitude trip \<4 weks before the study
* Allergy to acetazolamide and other sulfonamides

Where this trial is running

Bishkek, Bishkek

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions High AltitudeWomenHypoxiaPreventionAcetazolamideEchocardiography
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.