The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has medication guidelines and restrictions for pilots that dictate what pharmaceuticals can and cannot be taken whilst operating an aircraft. These guidelines are focused on addressing safety concerns that could arise from taking medications before or during flight. If you are operating an aircraft and require a specific medication, consult with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for approval and recommendations for any interval wait times or no-fly observation times.
Pilot Medical Requirements
All pilots are required to obtain a medical certificate issued by an AME that shows they are in fit physical and mental condition to operate an aircraft. While commercial pilots (CPL) need at least a Second-Class Medical Certificate, airline pilots (ATP), must have a First-Class Medical Certificate.
The FAA evaluates all medications taken by a pilot to ensure that they do not impair a pilot’s cognitive or motor capabilities to operate an aircraft. In certain cases, a medication taken by a pilot may require an Authorization for Special Issuance for clearance to use while on the job.
Approved Medications for Pilots
There is no set FAA approved medications list for pilots. However, the FAA provides guidelines for use of pharmaceutical drugs.
Skin rash creams and topicals: Topical corticosteroid, anti-fungal topicals, antipruritics
Eye drops or products for dry eyes: excluding eye ointment or gel during flight
Consult with an AME if you are planning on taking an over-the-counter (OTC) medication before or during operation of an aircraft. Side effect concerns could cause the AME to require a waiting period between taking the medication and flying. As a pilot, it’s always best to get approval for medications to take while working, even when they do not fall under the Do Not Fly list.
FAA Do Not Use Medications
The FAA has a list of Do Not Use medications, in which pilots cannot operate an aircraft if they are using. The list focuses heavily on medications like muscle relaxants and medications causing drowsiness that could impair a pilot during flight.
For example, antihistamines, such as Benadryl, used for allergies could cause drowsiness. A pilot operating an aircraft while experiencing drug-induced drowsiness could put all passengers and crew at risk, as well as other aircraft in the sky. They could lose focus and even have trouble staying awake due to using an antihistamine. For this reason, sedating antihistamines are on the Do Not Use list.
Where to Find the FAA Approved List of Medications
The FAA does not have one single list of all approved medications, as medication approval is also dependent on the presence, or lack of, side effects. However, the AMEs receive guidelines from the FAA as to what to restrict or monitor when it comes to pilots taking medications. If you are unsure of whether or not a medication you plan on taking or are currently taking is allowed, always talk with an AME.
If you are a student pilot taking a medication on the Do Not Use list, this does mean you are forever barred from operating an aircraft. You may still be able to obtain the licenses to operate an aircraft after you are done using that medication. An AME will determine when it is safe for you to continue on with your flight training or your job if you are currently on or planning on taking a prohibited medication.
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