Abstract
Pseudoephedrine (PSE) salts (hydrochloride and sulfate) are commonly used as a decongestant by scuba divers. Anecdotal evidence collected by Divers Alert Network (DAN) suggests that use of PSE prior to making a high dose O2 dive (Nitrox or a rebreather using pure O2) increases the risk of CNS oxygen toxicity (CNS‐OT; i.e., seizures). We hypothesized that high doses of PSE reduces latency to seizure (LS) in unanesthetized rats breathing a lethal dose of HBO2 (5 ATA). Adult male rats were implanted with a radio‐transmitter for recording EEG, body temperature (TB), and activity. After ≥7 day recovery, a rat was given saline solution (control) or a dose of PSE hydrochloride intragastrically via gavage tube 2hr prior to “diving” (mg PSE/Kg): 0 (control), 80, 100, 120, 160 & 320 (9 rats/group). The rat was placed into a sealed chamber inside a hyperbaric chamber, which were pressurized in parallel with pure O2 and air, respectively, to 5 ATA until the onset of seizure. Our results show a significant dose dependent decrease in LS, compared to the control, at doses of 100–320 mg/Kg. We conclude that high doses of PSE should be avoided in deep dives breathing pure O2 as it increases the risk for CNS‐OT (DAN).
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