Specific drug treatments for high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE)

For adults with high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE), nifedipine may be used as an adjunct to urgent descent (see Summary of specific drug treatment and descent recommendations in altitude illness, supplemental oxygen and a portable hyperbaric chamber. Optimal dosing for children with HAPE is unknown. In adults with high-altitude pulmonary oedema, use:

A phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitor, such as tadalafil or sildenafil, may be an alternative to nifedipine for treating HAPE in adults, but nifedipine and PDE5 inhibitors must not be used together because of the risk of hypotension causing cerebral hypoperfusion.