Chloroquine & Diving

[SuzA]

Chloroquine. Since lots of you dive in tropical regions, perhaps you know whether or not the anti-malarial drug chloroquine causes adverse effects in divers. I'm a new open water diver, so I won't be going down further than 30m.

Thanks for any words of wisdom you have to share!

SuzA
P.S. We're going to Costa Rica, if anyone has advice to share on diving there.

 

[scubadoc]

Hello:

Chloroquine has few serious side effects and is effective against the type of malaria that is seen in the area where you will be diving. See http://www.who.int/ith/english/map3.htm

Here are some side effects that might be adverse to diving or confused with symptoms of a decompression accident:

• confusion
• drowsiness
• headache
• hearing loss
• hypotension
• photosensitivity
• seizures
• tinnitus
• visual impairment

 

[SuzA]

Your note tells me that chloroquine is effective and that symptoms can be confused with decompression sickness.

Do divers take chloroquine and dive without causing more trouble for themselves physically?

Thank you for responding,

SuzA

 

[Rick Murchison]

As a career naval officer I had occasion to take the stuff for months at the time on several occasions. Never had any of the listed symptoms, but my intestines were never quite right for the duration of the treatments. Minor discomfort, wouldn't interfere with anything. There was great concern that we, as aviators, would be more susceptable to vertigo while flying at night or bad weather, especially around the carrier, but to my knowledge no one had any problems other than the same intestinal one I did.
Rick

 

[John Reinertson]

I agree with Scubadoc and Rick. Major side effects are unlikely. They can happen. Malaria is serious stuff and prevention is best. There are other drugs for other types of maaria, but chloroquine has historically had the best balance of effectiveness and low side effects.

If a diver is going to an area with chloroquine resistant malaria, there are two choices-- Lariam and a new-to-the-US combination called Malarone. Lariam has more Central nervous system side effects (dizziness, etc) and at least overseas, many divers are choosing Malarone.
This doesn't apply in your case, but is tossed out for general info. It is new enough that many general docs may not be aware of it. (hey, there's no malaria in Iowa)
Don't forget the repellent.
Dive safe and well.

John Reinertson

 

[SuzA]

From all the research I did on the Net and by talking with people, I feel comfortable taking chloroquine while on the trip. We get back on the 31st. If I have any issues with the medication while diving, I'll post a new thread to let you know. Considering what you've written, I expect I won't have to do that. I probably will share my diving experiences somewhere else on the Scuba Board, though. This site was a great find!

We don't leave till the 16th of Jan., so if someone else has something to share on the subject, please feel free to write until then.

My best,
SuzA