Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors such as Sildenafil can improve exercise capacity in a nonacclimatized person at high altitude. The alveolar hypoxemia that occurs at high altitudes results in pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension.
Sildenafil causes pulmonary vasodilation which improves the pulmonary circulation, resulting in improved maximal oxygen consumption and exercise capacity.
Dose for prevention: 40 or 50 mg tid
Contraindications:
(1) priapism
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