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Many common medications are compatible with scuba diving, but some require careful consideration. The key question is whether the medication — or the condition it treats — affects your ability to dive safely.
| Medication | Diving Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure medication | Usually compatible | Must be well-controlled; some beta-blockers may reduce exercise tolerance |
| Seasickness medication | Mostly compatible | Some cause drowsiness — choose non-drowsy formulations (meclizine preferred) |
| Antimalarials | Mostly compatible | Mefloquine can cause dizziness; atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) preferred for divers |
| Asthma inhalers | Requires physician clearance | Asthma itself must be assessed for diving safety |
| Antidepressants (SSRIs) | Usually compatible | Must be stable on medication; physician clearance recommended |
| Diabetes medication (insulin) | Requires specialist clearance | Diving with diabetes is possible but requires careful management |
| Antihistamines | Some compatible | Non-drowsy formulations (cetirizine, loratadine) are generally acceptable |
| Nasal decongestants | Use with caution | Can help equalisation but risk "reverse block" if effects wear off at depth |