Essential Medications for Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Survival Guide
1 Aug 2024 Chandra Gurung
Trekking is an activity of risk! In the pursuit of adventure, we sometimes forget to include safety protocols for trekking. Similar is the inclusion of trekking medications essential in high-altitude climates.
Today we help you pack the essential first aid kits, prescription medication, and other needed things for your Manaslu Circuit Trek. On top of that, we discuss how an emergency evacuation plan should always be a top priority.
First Aid Kit Essentials: Trekking Medications for Your Rescue
While we have this best-hand selection of must-have first-aid kit essentials, we discuss their dosage and intent of use. Even we list some of the potential side effects of trekking medications in the absence of medical supervision.
1. Antibiotics
There is a misconception associated with antibiotics, whether they should be in the first aid kit essentials or not. Antibiotics are suitable for treating bacterial illness; however, they are not very protective against viral flu and illness.
Azithromycin
Azithromycin is found to be effective in stopping the growth of bacteria. In cases of respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, ear, eye, or skin-related issues, they can be helpful. However, it is important to consult a medical professional and complete a full prescription course or dosages for recovery.
Norfloxacin
It is useful for treating gastrointestinal issues, including bacterial infections and amoebic dysentery, which can be common among trekkers
Guidelines for Use
It is advised not to take antibiotics on high-altitude treks unless necessary. In case of infection, descend to a lower altitude for safety. Differentiate between altitude sickness and infection, and accordingly treat with medical assistance. Look for crucial symptoms like a cough or gastrointestinal disease.
2. Painkillers
Painkillers play an important role in reducing any sort of discomfort or pain arising during high-altitude treks. It is beneficial against muscle soreness, headaches, joint pain, and minor injuries.
Paracetamol and aspirin for headaches
One needs to use painkillers like aspirin and paracetamol following label instructions and a doctor’s prescription. If you have stress- or migraine-related headaches, dosages of paracetamol will help you a lot.
When you prepare for that challenging Larke La Pass, you may have the risk of exhaustion, slips and falls, and even altitude sickness. So, you need to have these painkiller, high-altitude medications. You also need the right training to hike on uneven, rocky mountains across the glaciers when conquering the high mountain pass above 5000 meters.
3. High-altitude trekking medications
High-altitude trekking medications are a must to prevent and cure acute morning sickness that can occur at any time due to rapid elevation gain. Let’s have a look at a few.
| Overview | Diamox (Acetazolamide) | Dexamethasone | Nifedipine |
| Dosage | 125 mg every 12 hours (for whole trekking days) | 4 mg twice daily for 2-3 days | Controlled doses to control pulmonary pressure |
When to Use | Start 1-2 days before high-altitude treks | 8 mg initially, then 4 mg every 6 hours | Treatment of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) |
How it works | Increases urine production and respiratory rate Reduces brain swelling | Reduces brain inflammation Treating High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) | Lower blood pressure Reduce fluid buildup in the lungs |
Limitations | Electrolyte (Na, K) imbalances and being unable to cure AMS | Temporary relief should not be used on ascent days. | Only for emergency HAPE, can have blood pressure concerns |
4. Cough Lozenges
A scratchy throat is kind of irritating. If you want to avoid a dry or sore throat, you carry cough lozenges. To keep your throat moist and reduce the urge to cough, we carry these cough lozenges in first aid essentials.
You can get herbal options in cough lozenges like Himalaya Koflet or Throat Coat Eucalyptus Mint. Also, you can buy cough syrup and lozenges in sugar-free lozenges like Ricola.
Use a breathable neck warmer or balaclava to reduce throat irritation. It is not enough; descend to a lower altitude to ease your health.
5. Plasters, Bandages & Zinc Oxide Tape
Long days of hiking are not everyone’s cup of tea. Trekkers can often get caught in foot blisters, unexpected bruises, and injuries on the trekking trail.
First things first here cleaning the wound with antiseptic wipes and applying a sterile bandage for protection is a must. In case, you catch yourself from larger cuts, zinc oxide tape with strong adhesion can be the one that is suitable to use even in humid conditions.
However, some individuals are allergic to adhesives. Consider one with hypoallergenic options. Regular signs of infection like swelling, redness, or discharge should change the dressing at a time. Even minor injuries at the trek are minimized effectively.
6. Bandages and antiseptic cream
The long hiking durations per day of at least 8 to 12 km in Manaslu Circuit can only heighten the risk of injury, cramps, and strains. You may need to use bandages and antiseptic cream for cramps and injuries.
- Come in various sizes and materials like gauze, cloth, or adhesive strips (Band-Aids)
- Help stop bleeding by applying pressure
- Protect the wound from dirt and germs
- Allow the wound to heal by keeping it covered
- Should be changed regularly to keep the wound clean
7. Foot Powder
Your foot can sweat a lot during long hours of trekking; if not treated properly, this condition can result in the risk of blisters and fungal infections. Foot powder combats foot odor and keeps feet dry, providing comfort during prolonged wear of trekking shoes.
natural foot powders made from ingredients like cornstarch or arrowroot, and even antifungal powders. Carry an extra pair of socks to change it regularly.
8. Skin blister repair kit
A comprehensive skin blister repair kit is a must in trekking medication. Make sure you have protective cushioning over your blisters to prevent irritation during long trek days in Manaslu. To avoid any injury to the foot, having good quality trekking shoes is good.
| Item | Description | Use |
| Hydrocolloid blister pads | Protective, cushioning layers | Covers and protects blisters with good adhesion |
| Moleskin | Donut-shaped pad | It relieves pressure around blisters |
| Antiseptic wipes | Cleansing cloths | Clean the affected area before applying pads |
9. Antidiarrheal medication
For high-altitude treks, managing gastrointestinal issues is important trekking medication. It is because you are open to changes in diet, water quality, and altitude, which might give you a challenge. If you have a stomach upset, you can use these medicines,
- Loperamide (Imodium)
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
You need to contact a medical expert to prevent the side effects of using antidiarrheal medications like Banatrol. React before severe constipation, allergic reactions, dizziness, and drowsiness take you down on the high-altitude trek. Stay hydrated and you need it for watery stools
- the initial dose is usually 4 mg
- followed by 2 mg after each loose stool
- not exceeding 8 mg per day without medical advice.
Other Manaslu Trekking Essentials and Trekking Medication
Apart from the first aid kit essentials, there are other essential tablets for water filters, insect-repellent fragrances, and protective sunscreen required for optimal trekking experiences.
10. Water purification tablets or water filters
Drinking water must be clean and with that, we believe we carry water-purified tablets.
The most reliable water purification method for backpackers is carrying chlorine dioxide tablets to filter out bacteria and make stream and tap water drinkable. We also use water filters wherever they are available to fill our trekking bottles.
11. Oral Rehydration Sachets
Oral rehydration sachets and electrolytes are related but not synonymous. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) typically include:
| Sodium Chloride | helps maintain fluid balance |
| Potassium Chloride | replaces potassium lost during dehydration |
| Glucose | absorption of sodium and water in the intestines |
ORS is primarily intended for medical use to treat dehydration. Dioralyte is one of the popular orsalits to use to treat emergency dehydration during your trekking days in Nepal. If you come across gastrointestinal troubles, take 1/2 teaspoon of orsalit in 1 liter of clean water.
12. Eye drops
Eye drops are useful in the presence of dust, wind, and altitude. Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops, Murine Dry and Tired Eye Drops, Equate Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops, and long-lasting relief providers.
To check which eye drop is best carried for trekking activities, consult with the Manaslu Guide team or healthcare professional before you pack your essential medication kits.
13. Prescriptions trekking medication
For chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, if you have any existing prescription medications, you need to continue using them, even on long, hectic days. Keep your medication easily accessible even when packing, so you can find it at the medicating hour without any hassle.
14. Sunscreen cream
Grab your favorite sunscreen both for the face and body; even sunscreen spray bottles for the body are suitable to avoid unexpected tanning. Nivea SPF 50 lotion and your other favorite sunscreen for faces.
15. Lip Balm
To keep your lips moist, having a lip balm is a must. High breezes of wind at high altitudes make your lips prone to dryness. Lip balms these days also contain SPF shields against UV rays and best heal cracked lips.
16. Insect repellent
Insect repellent is a must-have in your essential medication list. It protects against infection from insect bites, assuring safety from environmental factors and full enjoyment of your trekking days. It is a must-have for camping options.
Imagine that mosquitoes cannot come to you or suck your blood while you are walking or sleeping; that’s peace of mind. Insect repellent can be repellent creams like Odomus, mosquito nets, mosquito coils, or lamps.
How do I properly apply antiseptic cream to a cut?
Antiseptic creams are essential to apply to prevent infection or bacterial growth in cuts, scrapes, and minor wounds. Common antiseptic cream ingredients include:
- Bacitracin – an antibiotic that kills bacteria
- Neomycin – another antibiotic
- Polymyxin B – also an antibiotic
- Pramoxine – a numbing agent to relieve pain
The natural alternatives to antiseptic cream in Nepal are, asteracea and other related medicinal plants.
Asteraceae ( banmara: catweed) is used for medicinal purposes; in case you have a wound, people in Nepal suggest pouring its juice. However, it could be difficult for one to find this herb at high altitudes.
Conclusion
If you ask what survival looks like in Manaslu, it starts with proper acclimatization. Like it is necessary for every trek, you also need to be mindful about packing trekking medication.
A backpacker’s dream is not always safe, but when you have Manaslu Guide by your side, we help you pack everything, which stops your last-moment rush. From medical help to a well-planned safety kit, we have everything covered for your next Manaslu Circuit trek. Contact us for bookings and more information on trekking medication.