Diving Pharmacology

Question 1

Decongestants stimulate receptors of the vascular smooth muscle resulting in?

Answer 1

• Contraction of GI and Urinary sphincters
• Mydriasis
• Decreased pancreatic beta cell secretion

Question 2

What vitamin is utilized in hyperbarics?

Answer 2

Vitamin E

Question 3

What is a major side effect of ANtihistamines

Answer 3

• Drowsiness

- May be synergistic with other CNS Depressants (ex: CO2, Narcosis)

Question 4

What medication is considered “relatively unsafe for diving”?

Answer 4

Anti-cholinergic Agents

Question 5

How long is INH Tx? How long until a diver can return to duty with INH?

Answer 5

1) 9 months

2) 8 weeks

Question 6

What are the emergency medications to maintain on dive side?

Answer 6

1) Epinephrine(1:1000 concentration)
2) Diphenhydramine (25-50 mg IM or IV)
3) Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate IV

Question 7

How long can 100% oxygen be tolerated prior to pulmonary oxygen toxicity?

Answer 7

Up to 12 hours

Question 8

What type of medications should not be used in the treatment of DCS? Why?

Answer 8

Anticoagulants; may increase the likelihood of hemorrhage into the tissues

Question 9

What is the one scenario to administer anticoagulants? What medication do you use?

Answer 9

• Lower Extremity Weakness; utilize Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)
• Enoxaparin 30 mg

Question 10

What is no longer recommended for use in the treatment of DCS?

Answer 10

Steroids

Question 11

What should be inserted into an unconscious patient?

Answer 11

Urinary catheter to measure output

Question 12

What drug has been shown useful in the treatment of AGE and it’s dose?

Answer 12

• Lidocaine

- Initial dose of 1 mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 2-4mg/minute