Nitrox and Sudafed

[Quero]

This was stressed in my IANTD Nitrox class, topical decongestants (nasal mists) for diving in general and esp. with Nitrox.

Topicals wear off too soon; that's why I don't like them for diving at all. I'm looking for a long-acting alternative to pseudoephedrine, not just a nasal spray.

 

[dilligaf368]

I've used Sudafed for years diving on any mix of gas. No adverse reactions and STILL never had the bends! Before the two back surgeries (fused 15 levels from t2-s1) and dove with Oxycodone and Oxycotin for the full year before the surgeons agreed to do the surgery!
I don't recommend this for anybody but as far as the Sudafed...I think You are safe. I used to do the 12hr everyday just incase I needed it. 30yrs plus...

 

[StSomewhere]

Topicals wear off too soon; that's why I don't like them for diving at all. I'm looking for a long-acting alternative to pseudoephedrine, not just a nasal spray.

I was thinking more along the lines of 12-hour Afrin.

Personally, I'd be inclined to call the dive if I was that congested that Afrin wouldn't work. Pseudoephedrine is the only thing I've ever been able to really rely on and its not to be mixed with any high pPO2 gas (like nitrox), this according to both my physician (a diver) and my nitrox instructor. YMMV.