Nasal Decongestants

[phillip1]

I have always wondered about this, it is summer and I occasionally get blocked sinuses to were I get a squeeze and cant really go below like 6-7mtrs, I have always opted to not dive till my sinuses clear as I got caught once after a yoyo profile and almost had to stay in an air pocket. I have missed a few dive opportunities due to this and I was wondering about using stuff like Afrin or Sudafed pills before diving, does this kind of stuff really work? or would it end up worse?
Thanks

[AMW]

THis is something I put on the CDG board a while ago In reality if you have a problem with the ears best not dive until it is sorted out although sometimes it is hard not to try and dive

Vicks Sinex contains 0.05% w/v oxymetazoline hydrochloride.

It also contains sodium citrate dihydrate, tyloxapol, citric acid anhydrous, chlorhexidine digluconate, menthol, benzalkonium chloride, camphor, disodium edetate, eucalyptol, sodium, hydroxide and purified water.

Also contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride

Possible Side-Effects
Most people have no side-effects with Vicks Sinex



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Sudafed 12 Hour Relief

The product contains the active ingredient: Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 120 mg per tablet.

It also contains: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (E464), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose (E460), povidone, titanium dioxide (E171), polyethylene glycol, candellila wax and purified water.

Possible Side-Effects
Side-effects are not common with Non-drowsy Sudafed 12 Hour Relief tablets and when they occur they are usually mild and temporary.

Some people feel restless or have trouble getting to sleep. A few people have bad dreams or hallucinations .

Occasionally people get skin rashes that are sometimes itchy. A few men, especially men with prostate problems may have more trouble passing water.


Sudafed Congestion Relief

Each capsule contains: Phenylephrine hydrochloride 12 mg

Other ingredients: Lactose, maize starch, pregelatinised maize starch, magnesium stearate.

Gelatin capsule includes: E104 quinoline yellow, E171 titanium dioxide. Printing ink: E172 black iron oxide, shellac, soya lecithin, silicone.


Avoid alcohol

If symptoms do not go away talk to your doctor

This medicine may cause fast heart rate, changes in heart rhythm, palpitations, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, headache and occasionally urine retention in males.

Decongestant Nasal Spray



Contains Xylometazoline hydrochloride

Non-Drowsy Sudafed Decongestant Nasal Spray
The product contains the active ingredient: Xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1% w/v.

It also contains: Benzalkonium chloride, disodium edetate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, sorbitol solution, purified water.
Possible side effects
Side effects are not common with this product and when they occur they are usually mild and temporary. Occasionally Xylometazoline hydrochloride may cause local burning, soreness, dryness, irritation, stinging, itching or sneezing. Nausea and headache may rarely occur. Prolonged continuous use may occasionally cause rebound congestion.


Non-Drowsy Sudafed Decongestant Elixir
This product contains the active ingredient: Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30mg per 5ml.

It also contains: Citric acid monohydrate, sucrose, glycerol, methyl hydroxybenzoate (E218), sodium benzoate (E211), Ponceau 4R (E124), raspberry flavour and water.


Possible side-effects
Side-effects are not common with this product and when they do occur they are usually mild and temporary.

Some people feel restless or have trouble getting to sleep. A few people have bad dreams or hallucinations but this is rare.

Occasionally people get skin rashes that are sometimes itchy. A few men, especially men with prostate problems may have more trouble passing water.



Andrew

[amphipod06]

Phil,

Here is a link to an article written by Dr Ed Thalmann on using Sudafed and Diving, well worth the read. Additionally, consider that nasal sprays, while used topically, can and will result in systemic absortion as well (like cocaine....).

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/me...p?articleid=51

Hope this helps answer your question.

Dive safe,

Celia

[imdown]

Go to yout doctor and ask for entex

[FW]

..... I got caught once after a yoyo profile and almost had to stay in an air pocket.....

I think you answered your own question. Besides the problems using any drug under pressure, you always run the risk of getting down, and the problem returning before the end of the dive, thus trapping you in the water.

[amphipod06]

Entex contains phenylephrine... see link for information:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/d...s/a606008.html

possible side effects similar to pseudoephedrine (sudafed)...

Dive safe,

Celia

[sdenney]

Most sinus medications will increase your susceptibility to ox-tox. Lay off the dairy products for awhile (milk, yogurt, etc), take some real sudafed (the stuff you have to sign for saying you're not running a meth-lab), and stay dry until your sinuses get clear before going diving.

[skip]

the major problem with drugs and diving, in my opinion, is the reverse block of the eustachian tube on ascent. I've blown the eardrum three times now because I just could not not dive. the drugs worked, but did not last as long, or maybe it was user error. each time you rupture the tympanic membrane, it grows back thinner than before. if it grows back at all. I spent a year diving with doc pro plugs, a mask with ear cups, and eardrum skin graft surgery scheduled. It was not a fun year.

-skip

[Captrachel]

I've been having some sinus/allergy/respirtory problems for years and tried all the drugs the doctors prescribed for allergy and asthma until I had enough. I went off everything and started taking Sudaphed PE sinus/allergy(green box). Now I take 2 in the morning and repeat during allergy season.

[Oister]

http://www.flonase.com/
I use flonase. It was mention by DAN as safe for use diving. I have used it on 100+ dives with no side effects. I use it the night before then in morning before i dive.

and my wife works for GSK.