The use of drugs by UK recreational divers: prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

INTRODUCTION Various prescribed and over-the-counter medications may theoretically be incompatible with the diving environment. Anecdotally, it is known divers regularly take medications around the time of their diving activities for different health conditions, possibly ignoring the recommendations not to do so. As part of a diversion in a study of illicit drug use in sport divers, secondary data regarding the use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications were gathered. AIMS The aim of presenting these data is to attempt to evaluate and promote debate surrounding the fitness of some divers to participate in the sport and the potential problems medication may cause whilst diving. METHODS Anonymous questionnaires addressing diving demographics, general health, alcohol, smoking, illicit drugs, prescribed and over-the-counter medications were circulated via United Kingdom dive clubs, schools, dive shows and conferences. Divers were asked if they were currently taking medication prescribed by a physician, if they had ever taken any over-the-counter drugs within six hours before a dive, and to give details. Questions were fixed-option and free-format. RESULTS A response rate of 26% provided 531 records (68% male, 32% female) for analysis. Over-the-counter medication was used by 303 (57%) of the respondents 6 hours or less before diving. Analgesics were the most commonly reported (180/303), with the use of decongestants (132/303) the next most regularly reported. Prescribed medications were used by 23% of respondents, with 10% reporting the use of cardiovascular drugs. The majority of the cardiovascular medication was for primary disease prevention; however, drugs only used in the treatment of symptomatic cardiovascular disease were reported, indicating individuals were diving with medical conditions recommended not compatible with diving. Other medication reported would also suggest liaison with a diving physician should have been undertaken prior to diving. CONCLUSION Although these data were diversionary, secondary and therefore open to criticism, the range of prescribed medications reported in this study was broad and suggested a need for further investigation regarding medication use and fitness to dive.