## Can You Take Sudafed Before Scuba Diving?
Sudafed is a decongestant that is used to relieve nasal congestion. It is available over-the-counter in both tablet and liquid form. Sudafed works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose, which reduces swelling and congestion.
**Is it safe to take Sudafed before scuba diving?**
**No, it is not safe to take Sudafed before scuba diving.** Sudafed can cause a number of side effects, including:
* **Dizziness**
* **Nausea**
* **Vomiting**
* **Headache**
* **Blurred vision**
* **Drowsiness**
These side effects can impair your ability to dive safely. In particular, dizziness and drowsiness can increase your risk of getting decompression sickness (DCS). DCS is a serious condition that can occur when nitrogen bubbles form in your body during a dive. DCS can cause pain, paralysis, and even death.
**What if I have a cold or allergies?**
If you have a cold or allergies, you should not scuba dive. Diving while sick can increase your risk of getting DCS. If you have any symptoms of a cold or allergies, such as:
* **Nasal congestion**
* **Runny nose**
* **Sneezing**
* **Coughing**
* **Sore throat**
You should wait until you are feeling better before diving.
**What are some alternatives to Sudafed?**
There are a number of other decongestants that you can take before scuba diving. These include:
* **Phenylephrine**
* **Oxymetazoline**
* **Saline nasal spray**
These decongestants do not have the same side effects as Sudafed, so they are less likely to cause problems while diving.
**Conclusion**
Sudafed is not safe to take before scuba diving. If you have a cold or allergies, you should wait until you are feeling better before diving. There are a number of other decongestants that you can take before diving that do not have the same side effects as Sudafed.
## Additional Information
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about taking decongestants before scuba diving:
* **Do not take decongestants for more than 3 days at a time.** Taking decongestants for too long can cause rebound congestion, which is when your nasal congestion gets worse after you stop taking the decongestant.
* **Do not take decongestants if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.** Decongestants can increase your blood pressure and heart rate.
* **Do not take decongestants if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.** Decongestants can have harmful effects on your baby.
* **If you have any questions about taking decongestants before scuba diving, please talk to your doctor.** Your doctor can help you determine if it is safe for you to take decongestants before diving.
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