Nitrox and medication--bad?

[Upwelling]

Someone on another thread (not the medical forum) mentioned that Nitrox is contraindicated with some foods and medications. Is there a list of these foods/meds? thanks

 

[Curt Bowen]

Someone on another thread (not the medical forum) mentioned that Nitrox is contraindicated with some foods and medications. Is there a list of these foods/meds? thanks

I dont think nitrox would have any type of effect on anything. All it is is an increased % of oxygen.

 

[Upwelling]

It was something about foods/meds that could increase the risk of oxygen toxicity. But it wasn't specific. Maybe one of the doctors knows.

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

The active ingredient in Pseduafed has been anectodally linked to Ox-Tox. Other vitamins, such as vitamin E have been found to be beneficial.

 

[GoBlue!]

The active ingredient in Pseduafed has been anectodally linked to Ox-Tox. Other vitamins, such as vitamin E have been found to be beneficial.

Suggesting an association between Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and oxygen toxicity is quite a statement, considering the number of divers that use the medication. What is the reference?

In addition, in a quick search, the only reference I saw regarding oxygen toxicity & vitamin E in divers is a single paper in the New Zealand Medical Journal from 1972. Unfortunately I can't pull up the abstract from home, but in any case, no matter WHAT it says, one published study isn't going to convince me.... (Granted, I don't think Vit E will HURT, but I'd hate to think a diver could push the limits because they're taking a bunch of Vit E!!...I'm not saying you recommended this, obviously....)

Jim

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

Suggesting an association between Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and oxygen toxicity is quite a statement, considering the number of divers that use the medication. What is the reference?

Agreed. That is why I stated that this was anecdotal evidence. Most of it originates from the writings of Tom Mount.

I have taken Sudafed before without incident during dives. However, I am looking to have the odds in my favor where possible. I no longer use it. I also take low dose aspirin and certain vitamins/herbs that have been suggested. I am either creating expensive urine or hopefully doing something that will be a benefit to me.

I think that none of these measures does any harm. So long as that is the case, I am willing to take a chance on whether there will be a benefit to taking these medicines and supplements.

 

[GoBlue!]

...I also take low dose aspirin and certain vitamins/herbs that have been suggested. I am either creating expensive urine or hopefully doing something that will be a benefit to me.

I think that none of these measures does any harm. So long as that is the case, I am willing to take a chance on whether there will be a benefit to taking these medicines and supplements.

Making expensive urine & forking over cash to the "herbal industry..." Ah, the patent medicines of the new millenium. Sigh.

Just giving you a hard time... This is not meant to hijack the thread or start a debate about the potential benefits and dangers of so-called "natural" products.

Jim

 

[DiveMedic03]

When we have higher partial pressures of O2 and then add medications that may lower the oxygen toxicity threshold, you may have a problem. Usually for recreational divers that may not be as much of a problem but be aware that if you are on some medications that lower the O2 tox threshold or meds that increase the risk of seizure you need to clear your diving with a dive physician if you are diving to higher PO2s.

 

[IslandHopper]

It seems perfectly reasonable that some medications may have unpredictable effects inside your body when combined with higher than normal levels of O2... when diving (especially with nitrox) O2 levels can easily be 8 times "normal".

The safest bet would certainly be to limit your diving to those days when you are healthy. On the other hand, if you (or people you know/trust) have had no problems with the particular medication in the past, maybe just use more conservative ppO2 and depth limits and dive away !!

 

[DocVikingo]

Suggesting an association between Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and oxygen toxicity is quite a statement, considering the number of divers that use the medication. What is the reference?

In addition, in a quick search, the only reference I saw regarding oxygen toxicity & vitamin E in divers is a single paper in the New Zealand Medical Journal from 1972. Unfortunately I can't pull up the abstract from home, but in any case, no matter WHAT it says, one published study isn't going to convince me.... (Granted, I don't think Vit E will HURT, but I'd hate to think a diver could push the limits because they're taking a bunch of Vit E!!...I'm not saying you recommended this, obviously....)

Jim

DAN is one reference http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=51 and concludes that:

"What's the bottom line? In normal, healthy divers breathing air, occasional use of pseudoephedrine at the recommended dose is probably safe. This presumes that the drug has been taken during periods when no diving has occurred and that no undesirable reactions have occurred. However, one should avoid chronic (daily) use when diving, and it seems reasonable to avoid the drug entirely if diving while using oxygen-nitrogen mixes where the PO2 during a dive might exceed 1.4 ata, the current recommended "safe" open-circuit scuba limit."

Best regards.

DocVikingo