Pharmaceutical Medications

Aeromedical certification requires evaluating both the underlying medical condition and its treatment. A medication cannot be assessed in isolation; the condition often presents an equal or greater risk to flight safety than the treatment.

While many chronic conditions managed by approved medications are permissible, airmen with acute, self-limiting illnesses should not fly while symptomatic or taking medication.

Medication Guidance

The FAA MedGuide helps identify the aeromedical status of a medication, which must always be evaluated in the context of the underlying medical condition.

MedGuide Scope and Limitations

• Phased Release and Scope: The FAA MedGuide is not exhaustive. It is a partial list released in sections as additional medications are reviewed. The presence or absence of a drug does not imply FAA approval or restriction.
• No Self-Assessment: Airmen must not use this list to self-determine fitness to fly, evaluate combination therapies, or establish compliance with 14 CFR § 61.53.
• Clinical Judgment Required: The MedGuide provides guidance only and does not replace an examiner’s aeromedical clinical judgment.

For medications not yet listed or for complex regimens, AMEs should consult the dedicated pharmaceutical guidance tables and condition-specific protocols throughout the AME Guide Pharmaceutical section.

Disqualifying Medications

Certain medications directly degrade pilot performance. AMEs must not issue medical certificates to applicants using these substances without FAA clearance and must advise them not to fly. For specific wait time and restrictions, refer to Do Not Issue – Do Not Fly.

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View the FAA MedGuide here.