Allergy meds and diving

[DiveKitten]

I have summer allergies and my doctor put me on Allegra-D. Is it safe to dive after I take it? If I don't take it, I get conjested and sneezy and a host of other things not good for diving. If I do take it, I'm fine. If Allegra is bad for diving, is there another medicine that would combat the allergy and be more condusive for diving? Being in Fl, surrounded by water and being too stuffy to dive all summer is terrible!!!!

 

[divingjd]

You should discuss it with your doctor. One thing to look for is something that will last a long time, like 24 hours, so it doesn't wear off in the middle of a dive. You don't want to take something that you need to take again in 4 hours. You also want something that won't make you drowsy.

 

[PFF]

DiveKitten, given that everyones medical situation is slightly different you should probably talk with your doctor. As someone who has allergies year round, I use the generic version of the Allegra 180 for a 24 hour coverage. A majority of the time this suffices in controlling my allergies. I sometimes use the perscription Flonase to clear the sinuses on an as needed basis.

In the end, if my allergies are acting up. I just won't go diving that day.

 

[Dive-aholic]

This is from www.scuba-doc.com

Can I Take Allegra and Dive Nitrox?
I occasionally take Allegra for an allergy. Can I take this drug and dive nitrox?
via e-mail

Allegra has none of the effects that mimic adrenaline and is safe to use with nitrox. It reduces the risk of oxygen toxicity, unlike some other allergy medications that may actually increase the risk of oxygen toxicity. Another point: Allegra has fewer sedative side effects than other allergy medications.

It refers specifically to nitrox, but if it's safe with nitrox, it's safe with 21%. Enjoy your dives.

 

[DiveKitten]

Yea!!! Your answers have made me so happy!!!!! THANKS!!!!!!!

 

[SwimsWithSharks]

Yea!!! Your answers have made me so happy!!!!! THANKS!!!!!!!

I don't want to rain on your parade but I still recommend you talk with your Doc. Allegra-D, if my understanding is correct, includes Allegra and sudafed. Sudafed adds another component to the mix. Talk to your Doc or call DAN.

 

[DynamiteT]

very helpful info.. I can empathize since I encounter the same trouble. I am also in the Tampa area and work in Downtown. My b/f and I are looking to move to the Countryside area around November.Maybe we can put together a trip.