Sudafed vs Nitrox Diving

[DandyDon]

I used generic 4-a-day Sudafed (Pseudoephdrine HCl 60mg) with an antihistamine (Triprolidine HCl 2.5mg) for allergies, plane travel, and free diving, then Scuba until I took my Nitrox course, reading in the Padi manual that a diver should not mix Pseudoephdrine HCl and Nitrox diving becuase of increase Oxygen Toxicidy risk.

I then tried a Precription med DAN suggested to my physician, but found it not only expensive but not helpful with my allergies to mold spores common to tropical ocean sites. On a recent week long dive trip, I avoid the Pseudoephdrine HCl entirely and relied only on one generic Claritan (Loratadine 10mg) a day.

I spoke with a DAN's Medical department today, asking if it would be safe to take one (Pseudoephdrine HCl 60mg with Triprolidine HCl 2.5mg after the last Nitrox dive each day - with at least 12 hours before the next days Nitrox dive, and his response was "probably yes." When I asked if it would be safe to additionally also take a Loratadine 10mg at bedtime with at least 8 hours before the next days Nitrox dive, and his response was again "probably yes."

(1) So - does this sound safe enough? Don't want to endanger myself or other divers around me...?

(2) Would the fact that I've been taking these and similar OTC meds as matainence drugs for decades make me even more acclimated for this approach?

Thanks!!

Don

 

[Rick Murchison]

You're asking a question that's impossible to answer. Individual reaction to pseudoephedrine (and other like drugs) is variable enough to make any answer beyond "probably yes" at least irresponsible.
I can answer for me. Neither drug would be safe for me to take within several days of diving.
As for you?
Well, "probably yes."
Rick

 

[Otter]

Rick Murchison once bubbled...
...
I can answer for me. Neither drug would be safe for me to take within several days of diving.
As for you?
Well, "probably yes."
Rick

Rick,
How do you know it wouldn't be safe? Have you had problems with Pseudofed? Not trying to pry, but since I use it occasionally, I am wonder if they are signs or symptoms that I should be aware of that I may have missed.

Craig

 

[Epinephelus]

Stuff make me nervous as a cat; I don't take it.
E.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Otter once bubbled...
Rick,
How do you know it wouldn't be safe?

In me, Sudafed induces premature ventricular contractions that can occur occasionally for several days after taking a single pill. Indeed, the first side effect listed for the drug is "heart palpitations" - and while "heart palpitations" aren't particularly dangerous (sinus rhythm isn't screwed up, just fast), PVC's are a disturbance in the rhythm and can be.
So mine is a severe and unusual reaction to the drug (and to decongestants in general - first surfaced when I was a teenager and was prescribed Teldrin - docs tried Sudafed as a milder and different drug but got the same result... so I'm one of those lucky guys that just has to endure the conjestion that comes with allergies or the common cold) and you're not likely to have it. But I'll bet my reaction isn't unique, either.
Rick

 

[mwilding]

I have broken my nose at least 3 times and have occasional allergies. I often have trouble learing my left ear on descent and have taken to taking a sudafed before diving to reduce this issue.

I too have just taken the NITROX course and was distraught to see that sudafed is now a no-no...

I would love to know what allergy medications (however mild) that do not increase the risk of O2 toxicity.

 

[Diversauras]

A few years back, when I was a smoker and had trouble with sinuses I used sudafeds every day when diving and never had a problem, and this was over many years too. Fortunately I don't need them now...

 

[DeepTechScuba]

Don,

I personally noticed "problems" with taking antihistimines before diving whenever I reach a depth corresponding to a PO2 of 1.2. This equals 80 fsw for EAN36 and 90 fsw for EAN32.

I will therefore take antihistimines only before bedtime, and make sure it has been at least 12 hours before I go diving thereafter (the next morning).

I believe DAN gave you pretty good advice.

 

[DandyDon]

DeepTechScuba once bubbled...
Don,

I personally noticed "problems" with taking antihistimines before diving whenever I reach a depth corresponding to a PO2 of 1.2. This equals 80 fsw for EAN36 and 90 fsw for EAN32.

I will therefore take antihistimines only before bedtime, and make sure it has been at least 12 hours before I go diving thereafter (the next morning).

I believe DAN gave you pretty good advice.

I see people taking antimistimines an hour before boarding to prevent sea sickness, or wearing the patches. There are certainly pros and cons, and I think I'll stick to using them the night before.

It seems that "Sudafed" - pseudoephedrine (also known as PSE?) is quite simimlar to amphetamine or "speed," as well as ephedrine or epinephrine, if I got that right. I've used epinephrine to save cattle from antibiotic shock and toxic shock, and in vet prescribed doses - that is hot stuff ! Always made sure I got them to drinking water quickly. One 600 pounder required more than the usual dose, then jumped through the wall of the "sick pen" during the night. I guess that had something to dow ith the psycotic effect possible...?

I've read that pseudoephedrine in the body usually has a half life of 6 to 8 hours (even though that can range from 2 to 21 hours dpending on urine pH), therefore a 12-16 hour interval beteen pseudoephedrine and Nitrox diving would suggest only 25% of the original dose in left in the body.

And with all that, I guess it comes to down to a personal judgement call.

Thanks all for your input...

Don