From The Medical Line - Your Questions Answered

DAN medical information specialists and researchers answer your dive medicine questions

Q: I’m taking multiple medications. What do I need to be aware of when taking medications while diving?

A: Medications treat a variety of conditions. Some medicines treat an acute ailment such as an infection, and others are for daily maintenance of a chronic condition such as high blood pressure. So not only are the medications of concern, but also important are the conditions for which your doctor has prescribed them. Medications are probably metabolised in the water the same way they are on land. There is a concern, however, for potentiation in a hyperbaric environment or one with elevated partial pressures. Of special concern are psychoactive medications. For a DAN medic to be able to assess your fitness to dive, please provide a complete list of your medications when you call.

While medications are classified to determine their suitability to take during pregnancy or to determine the likelihood of developing an addiction, there is no classification of their safety for divers. Medications are dispensed with warnings about operating machinery or driving a vehicle while taking them, and such precautions may be as important while diving.