Pill to prevent altitude illness? Research on Colorado 14er seeks answers – and you can help

Looking to hike a beautiful 14,000-foot peak in Colorado and contribute to mountaineering science? A study being conducted by the University of Colorado is offering the chance.

Researchers are looking for participants willing to hike Mount Blue Sky while the effectiveness of prochlorperazine (commonly known as Compazine) for treating acute mountain sickness is put to the test.

Symptoms of acute mountain sickness – a type of altitude illness – typically include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue, but there's hope that prochlorperazine – commonly used by those with migraine headaches, nausea, and vomiting – could provide a better means of preventing the condition.

According to the research group, participants will meet in Golden before getting either prochlorperazine or a placebo with breakfast. Participants will then be driven to Summit Lake on Mount Blue Sky where they'll get another dose of the drug or placebo with lunch and a walk. After that, participants will take a guided hiking tour to the summit of the peak, getting dinner and a third dose of the drug or placebo before staying the night. In there morning, there will be breakfast, followed by a drive back to the initial meeting point.

Trial dates are currently set for August 5 to 6, August 7 to 8, and August 27 to 28. Anyone interested in participating can find more information here.

Find more information about altitude illness here.