Mrinalini Singh*, Adya Upmanyu, Smriti Sudha, Kamla Prasad Mishra, Som Nath Singh, Rajeev Varshney
The physiological mechanisms and organ systems of the body are affected at high altitude due to decreased oxygen availability, sometimes leading to different high-altitude disorders. The impact of high-altitude exposure on bone health is less conspicuous compared to other organs like the heart, lungs, brain, etc. Nonetheless, it is implied by in vivo studies on both animals and humans that there is a considerable reduction in bone mass and bone strength on exposure to high altitude. However, the probable repercussions of the use of high-altitude medication on bone is yet to be elucidated. The various drugs taken for prophylaxis, mitigation, and treatment of high-altitude conditions may have a considerable impact on Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and on the differentiation, proliferation, and activity of bone cells. This review focuses on the potential effect on bone health of various drugs taken for high altitude sickness, including acetazolamide, dexamethasone, aspirin, nifedipine, tadalafil, sildenafil, and ibuprofen.