NJdiverTony
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Is it safe to dive while taking an antibiotic such as Levaquin or Cipro? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Is it safe to dive while taking antibiotics?
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Hi Tony,
If the antibiotic has been given an adequate topside trial and no problematic side effects have been experienced (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, rash), the diver stays very well hydrated, and the prescribing doctor hasn't cautioned against scuba while taking the drug, then the medication itself probably doesn't pose a meaningful risk for diving itself.
Likely of more concern is the medical condition for which the antibiotic is being taken. The infection being treated should involve no signs or symptoms that could pose a threat to safe scuba, e.g., significant fever, chills, pain/ache/tenderness, tiredness/fatigue/lack of stamina. There also should be no concern that the infection might be exacerbated as a result of such events as exposure to pathogen containing water and vigorous physical activity
It should be noted that Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Levaquin (levofloxacin) and other drugs of this class (fluoroquinolones) make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, sometimes much more. Divers taking one of these antibiotics will want to exercise great care regarding u/v exposure.
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
Helpful?
Regards,
DocVikingo
If the antibiotic has been given an adequate topside trial and no problematic side effects have been experienced (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, rash), the diver stays very well hydrated, and the prescribing doctor hasn't cautioned against scuba while taking the drug, then the medication itself probably doesn't pose a meaningful risk for diving itself.
Likely of more concern is the medical condition for which the antibiotic is being taken. The infection being treated should involve no signs or symptoms that could pose a threat to safe scuba, e.g., significant fever, chills, pain/ache/tenderness, tiredness/fatigue/lack of stamina. There also should be no concern that the infection might be exacerbated as a result of such events as exposure to pathogen containing water and vigorous physical activity
It should be noted that Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Levaquin (levofloxacin) and other drugs of this class (fluoroquinolones) make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, sometimes much more. Divers taking one of these antibiotics will want to exercise great care regarding u/v exposure.
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
Helpful?
Regards,
DocVikingo
OP
NJdiverTony
Guest
Hi Doc,
I really appreciate the info. I do have one more question... Is it safe to take an anti-emetic such as meclizine while on Levaquin? I'm going out on a boat dive in a couple of weeks off the coast of NJ and just want to make sure I'm safe.
Thanks!
I really appreciate the info. I do have one more question... Is it safe to take an anti-emetic such as meclizine while on Levaquin? I'm going out on a boat dive in a couple of weeks off the coast of NJ and just want to make sure I'm safe.
Thanks!
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Hey Tony,
I can see no basis for any interaction between meclizine and levofloxacin that would have meaningful implications for scuba.
However, if one were taking the antibiotic for a condition like prostatitis they would want to be aware that meclizine can have implications for those with an enlarged prostate or difficulty in urination. Ditto other motion sickness agents with anticholinergic action, e.g., scopolamine. When this is the case, consultation with one's physician is indicated before taking any mal de mer meds.
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
Helpful?
Regards,
DocVikingo
I can see no basis for any interaction between meclizine and levofloxacin that would have meaningful implications for scuba.
However, if one were taking the antibiotic for a condition like prostatitis they would want to be aware that meclizine can have implications for those with an enlarged prostate or difficulty in urination. Ditto other motion sickness agents with anticholinergic action, e.g., scopolamine. When this is the case, consultation with one's physician is indicated before taking any mal de mer meds.
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
Helpful?
Regards,
DocVikingo
divekraz
Contributor
Tony why don't you contact Dan, assuming you are a member. They are very helpful with any questions. We've asked them medical questions and they supply the data and references to support the information.
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Hi Divekraz,
It's nice when those utilizing DAN's Medical Services are members as it helps pay the expenses, but membership is not necessary. DAN Medical Services responds to all who contact them with equal professionalism.
As for giving specific references to support the information they supply, sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.
For example, the issue of possible interactions between antibiotics and motion sickness agents at depth has not been studied and therefore there are no references to give.
Regards,
DocVikingo
It's nice when those utilizing DAN's Medical Services are members as it helps pay the expenses, but membership is not necessary. DAN Medical Services responds to all who contact them with equal professionalism.
As for giving specific references to support the information they supply, sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.
For example, the issue of possible interactions between antibiotics and motion sickness agents at depth has not been studied and therefore there are no references to give.
Regards,
DocVikingo
pescador775
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Tony, safety is relative. Fluoroquinolones are about to get a new warning label. As you read this, keep one thing in mind; divers are subject to unusual stress, sometimes more severe than experienced by an astronaut or mountain climber. All our functional parts need to be fit, stay fit. Cipro is a strong drug and may not be compatible with all situations and/or all users.
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/24479/36146/491361.html?d=dmtContent
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/24479/36146/491361.html?d=dmtContent
pescador775
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Kraz, Contact DAN, I'm sure they know all about it, or not.
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Hi pescadore775,
Kraz isn't asking the questions, NJdiverTony is. Kraz gave the same advice as you. Am I missing something?
Also, the article you link states that there have been calls for the FDA to mandate a black box warning regarding a possible association between taking fluoroquinolones and sustaining tendonitis and tendon rupture. However, there is no indication that "Fluoroquinolones are about to get a new warning label." My contact at the FDA tells me this is far from settled. Have you better or more current info?
Thanks,
DocVikingo
pescador775:
Kraz isn't asking the questions, NJdiverTony is. Kraz gave the same advice as you. Am I missing something?
Also, the article you link states that there have been calls for the FDA to mandate a black box warning regarding a possible association between taking fluoroquinolones and sustaining tendonitis and tendon rupture. However, there is no indication that "Fluoroquinolones are about to get a new warning label." My contact at the FDA tells me this is far from settled. Have you better or more current info?
Thanks,
DocVikingo
divekraz
Contributor
Hey Doc, Thanks for the info on DAN. They have been very helpful to us in the past regarding questions but your response to NJdiver was much more to the point and concise a response than I ever got from DAN.
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