Medication Guidelines for Pilots

Pilots must carefully consider both medication(s) use and the underlying medical condition(s) as either can compromise safety of flight.  The following reference documents provide general guidance on choosing a medication (when there are options), side effects, and aviation safety concerns regarding medications.  For questions regarding specific medications or conditions, consult your AME (Aviation Medical Examiner).

NOTE: The follow references are neither all-inclusive nor intended to take the place of consultation(s) with your primary care physician (PCP) and/or AME.  If you speak to your PCP, remember that most physicians are not trained in aviation medicine and might not consider the implications of a medication or medical condition on flight safety.  We strongly recommend that you discuss medication options with your physician PRIOR to taking the medication. For non-AME physicians, it is helpful to ask them if the medication would interfere with the operation of dangerous machinery.  Although the reverse is not always true, you should assume that any medication considered unsafe for dangerous equipment operation is also unsafe for flight.

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Reference Guide – What Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Can I Take and Still be Safe to Fly? Topics include:
  • Questions to consider when assessing your underlying medical condition.
  • Guidelines on interval wait times and no-fly observations times.
  • How to read medication labels for aviation safety.
  • OTC Medications Reference Table. Search various types of medication or symptoms by brand or generic name to see if medication is safe to use and fly.
• OTC Medications
  • Although this guidance is intended for AMEs, it contains pertinent information on observation times and side effects useful for pilots.
  • Provides examples of warning labels of aeromedical concern.
• Allergy & Antihistamine Immunotherapy Medication
  • Guidance for antihistamine use and allergy shots with ground trial and no-fly times.
  • Table with brand names, generic names, and no-fly times.
• Medications and Flying Brochure
  • Overview of Do Not Issue and Do Not Fly medication, both of which can cause a pilot to be unaware of impairment.