Sudafed

[drtuba]

I have heard from several divers that taking Sudafed before a dive can help in clearing out sinuses making it easier to equalize. I have also heard that this is not a good idea and could be dangeroous. Does anyone have any recommendations to this practice?

 

[RIDIVER501]

The main problem with using any decongestant before diving is that no matter what is says on the box for duration. it is gonna wear off 5 minutes before you ascend from your dive.
If your congestion is severe enough it will result in a situation called a reverse block. reverse block is the opposite of the squeeze pain you feel in your ears on the way down. it is the pain caused by the expanding air in your middle ear on the way back up. With a squeeze you can abort the dive no blood no foul if you can't clear.....in the case of a reverse block you can't put off surfacing forever and you run a high risk of some type of expansion injury to your ears.

that is why it is a bad idea

 

[Wendy]

Check the DAN website. They have several articles there. Also do a search here on this board, this topic has been discussed before and links provided to the DAN articles. There may be something about sudafed use and nitrox and trimix usage causing problems.

 

[RIDIVER501]

here they are:
last two deal with sudafed issues for the female diver

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=51

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/faq.asp?faqid=103

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=9

 

[pasley]

If you are over 40 a possible additional complication can be Reynouds Syndrome which the Sudafed, being a vassal constrictor would aggravate. I did not have this condition that I knew of until I started diving and my allergy doctor added Sudafed to help ensure my sinus was clear and dry. Major problem with cold hand and feet in whether below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I am talking the wife jumping and beating me something terrible for touching her with my hand or feet when I was having an attack. Felt like sub zero with no gloves. The body shuts off the blood flow to the hands and feet and can even lead to serious complications. Stopped taking the drug, end of problem.. Just another consideration if you are older.

 

[Kestrell]

I think you have a few things to worry about with Sudafed (or any other decongestant) and diving.

First there is the possibility of a reverse block, which has already been brought up.

I have also read about people (experienced divers) who had problems with disorientation and paranoia and/or irrational fear when diving on Sudafed.

In one instance I believe the diver was leading the dive and bolted for the surface for no good reason.

I know there are alot of people who dive on decongestants, but be careful.

 

[String]

I get slightly congested (still divable) but find if i take 1 sudafed in the morning before diving, even if its 6hrs+ before the dive it clears that residual congestion.

I dont dive trimix or nitrox and have had no problems, nor does anyone else i know.

I would add however if you think you are too congested to dive WITHOUT taking it then dont do the dive as the reverse block risk etc is high.

 

[DandyDon]

There's certainly pros & cons to the chemical in Sudafed. I take a generic form everydady, especially is I'm going to fly or dive on air - to help with the Ear-tubes.

However, if I am to dive Nitrox, I don't, and - some people have probllems with it. Probably ought to talk to your physician first, then take it on land to ensure you don't have problems.

Otherwise, it should last at least one dive easily, if not the whole day. Your experiences may vary, though...

 

[Mako Mark]

be careful, talk to a hyperbaric doctor, and dont eat cheeze (dairy) the day of your dive and you probably wont need to take sudafed.

 

[GrierHPharmD]

A few comments from a diving pharmacist/toxicology specialist:

1. I would suggest that if you take Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), you take the extended-release tablets, as they are much less likely to wear off during your dive. Typically, the extended-release tablet works for roughly twelve hours.

2. Sudafed, and other systemic decongestants are mild central nervous system stimulants. If you feel that you will need to take the drug before diving, you may want to limit your caffeine intake.

3. If you're treating nasal stuffiness, you may want to consider a topical decongestant (nasal spray). Again, use the long-acting version. Oxymetazoline (Afrin, Sinex Long Acting) will keep your nasal passages open without affecting your central nervous system.

4. Note that Sudafed is a product line that includes many combination products, many of which contain antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (benadryl). If you need the decongestant effect, use one that only contains pseudoephedrine.

Of course, it goes without saying that it is best to dive without taking any medications, as medications are not tested under the conditions typically found during a dive. That being said, if you follow the above guidelines, you will minimize the chance of a reverse block.

Best wishes and safe ascents,
Grier