Dexamethasone (a steroid) is a prescription drug that decreases brain and other swelling reversing the effects of AMS. Dosage is typically 4 mg twice a day for a few days starting with the ascent. This prevents most symptoms of altitude illness. It should be used with caution and only on the advice of a physician because of possible serious side effects. It may be combined with Diamox. No other medications have been proven valuable for preventing AMS

Ibuprofen is effective at relieving altitude headache.

Nifedipine rapidly decreases pulmonary artery pressure and relieves HAPE.

Oxygen. Breathing oxygen reduces the effects of altitude illnesses.