Various Meds?

[Venom]

My wife has been diving for about 2 years. Was signed off my her doctor. We always do easy dives, nothing strenuous, and never below 60fsw.

Going to get certified for Nitrox and it says Nitrox can have different effects with various meds. I'm not sure if a non diving doctor would know so thought I'd post the list of meds here for some feed back or a recommendation of where to check. I'm in southern california btw.

thanks

Lisinopril
Clor-Con
Hydrochlorothiazide
Glyburide
Diltiazem
Zetia
Famotidine
Clonidine

 

[mdjh51]

This is a complex question that should be addressed by a pharm D. I would start with a phone call to DAN. The two drugs that jumped out at me as potentially troublesome were the glyburide an the cardiazem. Both have rather wide interaction and side effect profiles.

Call DAN.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Venom,

This is quite an array of medications and it certainly carries a formidable potential composite interaction and side effects profile. The effects of any one of these medications on SCUBA, not to even mention the combination, have not been studied. As such, the best diving medicine can do is make an educated guess.

There are certain types of drugs which do pose at least theoretical risks for diving on nitrox, particularly on the risk of oxygen toxicity ("ox-tox"). Compounds of especial concern are those that have excitatory effects upon the central nervous system, specifically what are called sympatomimetic drugs and which have adrenalin-like actions on the body and result in increased heart rate and blood pressure, among other effects.

To the best of my knowledge, none of the drugs mentioned has such an action. Given how vigorously this regimen seems aimed at controlling blood pressure, it would be extraordinarily surprising if drugs that uniformly raise blood pressure and heart rate were prescribed.

Turning from the specific nitrox inquiry to a broader issue, despite the fact this person has been cleared to dive by their treating cardiologist and has apparently been diving for several years without incident, diving with this combination of medications, and the potentially serious disease entities they suggest, remains of some concern. As such, it indeed might be wise for the diver or their physician to contact DAN about the advisability of SCUBA regardless of the gas mix used. DAN can be contacted at (800) 446-2671 or (919) 684-2948, Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM (ET).

Helpful?

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[Venom]

Thanks for the replys.
The meds are for control of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Both of which have been under control before we even started diving.
I will be calling DAN in the morning. We are both members.

 

[montanamd]

Venom,
I agree with DocVikingo. I do think it would be wise to give DAN a call.
Happy diving,
MontanaMD

 

[DocVikingo]

Thanks for the replys.
The meds are for control of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Both of which have been under control before we even started diving.
I will be calling DAN in the morning. We are both members.

Please us know what DAN has to say. Thanks.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[DGriffin]

What a great question. Thanks for asking it as I'm going to piggyback on to it.

I'm about to make my first dive since a aneurysm (other thread). We'll make sure first, but the aneurysm has been obliterated. My GP put me on Diovan to control my BP. I've always been in the 134/85 range, but we thought we'd lower it a little more. It's a small, 80mg, tab once a day. That, and my heart-smart 81mg Bayer aspirin is the only things I take. Ever.

Anythin gI need to raise to my Neuro (I see him in 2 weeks) or DAN?


Thanks in advance.



Griff

 

[Venom]

ok, I don't have my notes in front of me so as I remeber it
The drugs used to treat the diabetes are not show to have any effect has to diving
The drugs for high blood pressure. when first starting on these may cause the paitent to faint or momentarily lose conciusness, obviously a bad thing under water.
one of the drugs listed is a diaretic so be sure to stay hydrated.

Really the biggest concern was the overall condition of the paitent that has been prescribed these meds.

Since she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes several years ago, my wife began an extensive workout regime at the local gym. Twice a day, five days a week, with cardio and weight training, both supervised. Along with frequent check ups with the doctor, which have all been positive. This news made the DAN rep feel much better about her diving.

He also emailed me a list of some local "diving" doctors so that we can double check with them.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Venom,

Sounds like good news.

Thanks for keeping us posted.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Griff,

BP in the 134/85 range in an otherwise healthy individual typically would not be considered a critical worry, but lowering it indeed does seem prudent. Diovan (valsartan) 80mg once a day is the minimum recommended dose for uncomplicated HBP in adults and thus would be expected to carry minimal likelihood of adverse reactions. It is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), generally considered one of the safer classes of antihypertensives for divers. When given for hypertension, the most common side effects are headache, dizziness, fatigue and abdominal discomfort.

If no problematic side effects are experienced following an adequate topside trial, the Diovan, in and of itself, should not pose a significant risk to safe recreational scuba. Neither should a single daily dose of 81mg of aspirin.

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.