Nitrox and Sudafed

[Gator Diver]

In theory I know the two are not to be mixed but
can anyone comment on reality. For recreational
Nitrox is Sudafed ok? BTW, I called DAN and they
would not give me a straight answer (probably
for liability sake).

 

[Wendy]

In theory I know the two are not to be mixed but
can anyone comment on reality. For recreational
Nitrox is Sudafed ok? BTW, I called DAN and they
would not give me a straight answer (probably
for liability sake).

If you do a search there are several posts already about this.

 

[DandyDon]

The reasons for advising against it are anecdotal, but there's enough logic to get me not to take the drug until after my Nitrox diving is over for the day. And I take a lot of it day to day.

 

[cornfed]

The reasons for advising against it are anecdotal,

Anectodal? How so?

 

[DandyDon]

Anectodal? How so?

That's how it's often referenced. In this report: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=51

They based much of their thinking on these experiences.

Here's another DAN link: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=35

 

[cornfed]

That's how it's often referenced. In this report: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=51

Aside from that article I don't think I've ever heard it referred to as "antecdotal" before. Here's an article by Dr. Eddie Brian which addresses some of the why's behind the anectodal claims.

 

[Gator Diver]

Thanks for the references.
Actually the diversalert article indicates that
occasional use is probably ok.

 

[Green_Manelishi]

Thanks for the references.
Actually the diversalert article indicates that
occasional use is probably ok.

I am not a doctor but I think the key word is probably.

It is O2 you are dealing with and "anecdotaly" there is evidence that there is an interaction of some sort. Even without the presence of drugs, O2 can cause problems on "Monday" when the same dive the day before was fine. O2 toxicity is not to be taken lightly.

 

[mtnredhed]

I've used sudafed in the past although not with nitrox. Without specific studies being done, the increased theoretical risk due to documented higher than normal blood h2o2 (which in turn could increase disolved blood o2) would make me reluctant to use it.

I've never seen a study that showed the actual increase in blood o2 when using recomended dosages of the product. It could be that using it is just a matter of adding in the equivalant of .1 or .2 ATA to your calculations. It could also be that other side effects have the potential to be more dangerous (statisticly) than the increase o2 exposure ( from the DAN info).

I've been lucky enough that usually a blast of saltwater (or saline spray) through the sinues seems to open me up without rebound or or side effects

 

[ArcticDiver]

By now you've read the posts and realized that there are some theories and not a lot of scientific data gathering and analysis. My Docs(ENT and Primary) both wholeheartedly endorse using when needed Sudafed and/or Afrin in combination with saline drops when diving. No change for any particular gas mixture.