• Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners Topics
  • AMCS Login
  • Search Guide
  • Application Process
  • Decision Considerations
    • Aerospace Medical Dispositions
    • Disease Protocols
  • Important Notices
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Special Issuances
  • Substances Dependence/Abuse
  • Synopsis of Medical Standards

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Disease Protocols
Hypertension - Medications

1. Medications acceptable to the FAA for treatment of hypertension in airmen include all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved diuretics, alpha-adrenergic blocking agents, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, calcium channel blocking agents, angiotension converting enzyme (ACE inhibitors) agents, and direct vasodilators. Centrally acting agents (such as, reserpine, guanethidine, guanadrel, guanabenz, and methyldopa) are not acceptable to the FAA. Dosage levels should be the minimum necessary to obtain optimal clinical control and should not be modified to influence the certification decision.
2. The Examiner may submit for the Federal Air Surgeon's review requests for Authorization under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR § 67.401) in cases in which these or other usually unacceptable medications are used. Specialty evaluations are required in such cases and must provide information on why the specific drug is required. The Examiner's own recommendation should be included. The Examiner must defer issuance of a medical certificate to any applicant whose hypertension is being treated with unacceptable medications.