FAA Approved Medications for Pilots

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not publish a single, comprehensive list of approved medications for pilots. Acceptability depends on both the drug and the underlying condition it treats, along with dosage, side effects and interactions. A prescription from your doctor does not automatically mean you can fly while taking it.

If you are searching for an FAA medication list or FAA approved medications, start with the agency’s medication guidance and consult an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Some common medicines are compatible with flying, while others require a waiting period or FAA review. The overview below explains common medication categories, restrictions and questions to discuss with your AME before your next flight.

Key Takeaways

• The FAA does not publish one master “approved” list. Clearance depends on the drug and the condition it treats.
• If a medication can impair alertness or judgment, it is not compatible with flying.
• Many prescription drugs (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, some antidepressants) are flyable, often via CACI or Special Issuance.
• Common “Do Not Fly” categories include sedating antihistamines, opioids, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, and stimulant ADHD medication.
• Always ground-trial a new medication for at least 48 hours, and disclose everything on your FAA medical application.

 

FAA Medication Status at a Glance

General guidance only: This table does not provide individual clearance to fly. Confirm the exact medication, formulation, underlying condition and required waiting periods with your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

An Overview of Pilot Medical Requirements

Pilots have a commitment to maintaining exceptional health standards, and to do so, they must receive a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical. The FAA issues three types of medical certificates: First Class, Second Class, and Third Class. Student, sport, and private pilots must obtain at least a third class medical before taking to the skies. Commercial pilots are mandated to obtain a second class medical certificate, while it is imperative that airline pilots maintain the highest level of medical: a first class certificate. Let’s take a look at the requirements and breakdown of each type of medical certificate.

First Class medical is the highest level of medical certification, fly for the airlines or whose employers require first-class medical standards. For individuals under 40 years old, they must renew their First Class medical every 12 months. However, those 40 years of age or older, require a renewal every 6 months. This is to ensure the medical fitness requirements are being consistently met.

A Second Class medical is required for pilots who fly most commercial operations, such as crop dusting, cargo transportation, passenger charter flights, or any other commercial roles. For commercial pilots, it is imperative to hold a valid Second Class medical in order to retain operational privileges. A Second Class medical has a mandatory 12-month renewal period, regardless of the pilot’s age.

 A Third Class medical is the least restrictive level of medical certification, and is the prerequisite to begin flight training. In order to begin flight training and/or logging any flight hours, this medical certificate must be obtained. A third class medical certificate is valid for 60 months (five years) for pilots under 40, and 24 months for pilots who are 40 or older. Whether an individual aims to become an airline pilot or prefers flying as a hobby, it is imperative that they hold a third-class medical certificate.

The process to obtain an FAA medical certificate carefully evaluates various health conditions and medications to ensure they align with safe flight operations. For pilots who have specific medical conditions, it is important to consult with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) early in the process so they can provide valuable guidance. In many cases, medical conditions that initially seem challenging can be managed appropriately to meet certification requirements through proper documentation, treatment plans, or a Special Issuance authorization.

Disqualifying Medical Conditions for Pilots

There are a number of medical conditions that disqualify individuals from being pilots, such as vision impairments, hearing issues, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and some mental health conditions.

Certain mental health conditions will not result in disqualification from becoming a pilot, as mental health is a wide spectrum with varying conditions. The FAA demonstrates flexibility in its medical certification process, often working with pilots to account for various health conditions. Through a system of perioding monitoring and documentation, many pilots maintain their medical certificates while managing ongoing mental health conditions. This allows for a continued commitment to the aviation industry, with both safety and inclusivity in mind. It is imperative to maintain open communication with AMEs and follow prescribed protocols for documentation and follow-up care.

Disqualifying Medication for Pilots

Any medication that hinders a pilot’s ability to safely maneuver an aircraft can prevent them from flying. The FAA groups these as “Do Not Issue” and “Do Not Fly” medications. For pilots researching FAA banned drugs, “Do Not Issue” means FAA clearance is required before an AME can issue a medical certificate, while “Do Not Fly” requires grounding during use and for the applicable waiting period afterward.

These categories include psychotropic drugs such as sedatives, tranquilizers, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and hallucinogens; opiates such as morphine, codeine, Lortab, Percodan, and Oxycontin; muscle relaxants such as soma, sonata, and flexeril; and sedating antihistamines such as Benadryl, Chlorpheniramine. Oral Zyrtec (cetirizine) is also classified as a sedating, conditionally acceptable antihistamine. Occasional use requires a 48-hour no-fly period after the last dose; daily use is unacceptable.

Medication for mental health conditions is handled case-by-case rather than by a blanket ban. Not all antidepressants are FAA prohibited medications. Under the FAA’s Antidepressant Protocol, pilots may be certified through a Special Issuance while taking one of four SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, or Lexapro), certain SNRIs (Pristiq, Cymbalta, or Effexor), sustained- or extended-release Wellbutrin, or Viibryd as a single agent,, provided they meet the evaluation, stability, and monitoring requirements. Immediate-release Wellbutrin is unacceptable. Current use of ADHD medications, including stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, is incompatible with FAA medical certification; prior use requires evaluation under the FAA’s applicable ADHD pathway.

The FAA Do Not Fly medication list is not comprehensive. An aviation medical examiner considers an individual’s unique case, including the underlying condition and how the medication affects them personally. Cases requiring FAA clearance must be referred to the agency for a certification decision.

Which Over-the-Counter Medications Can Pilots Take?

Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications are fine to take prior to piloting a plane, including acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), non-sedating allergy medicines (Claritin, Allegra), guaifenesin-only cough products (Mucinex), and basic antacids. 

However, there are some, such as sedating antihistamines and motion sickness medicines, which will preclude a pilot from flying. One common question is, “Can pilots take DayQuil?” Products such as Benadryl, DayQuil formulas containing dextromethorphan, NyQuil multi-symptom formulas, any sedating “PM” or “nighttime” product, and motion-sickness medicines like Dramamine are not compatible with flying. When looking for FAA approved cold medicine, always check the FAA OTC medication list to be sure. Even if an OTC medication is not explicitly banned by the FAA, there are still some cautionary steps one should follow before taking it while flying.

A Pilot’s Guide to Medication Safety

Safe medication management for pilots requires a three-step approach to ensure flight safety: identifying active ingredients, reading the label, and taking with caution. Pilots should thoroughly examine the active ingredients for potential allergies or previous adverse reactions. All medication labels need to be carefully reviewed and is crucial, with particular attention to side effects that could impair flying abilities, such as drowsiness or decreased alertness. Most importantly, pilots should never test new medications on flying days – instead, a wise decision involves taking an initial dose during a non-flying period of at least 48 hours, allowing time to observe any unexpected reactions or side effects. This method ensures that pilots can confidently manage their health while maintaining the highest standard of aviation safety.

Does the FAA Know What Prescriptions are Taken?

The FAA does not check the medical records of every pilot. However, when applying for a medical certificate, a pilot is required to disclose any and all prescriptions they are on. An individual is also required to disclose any new prescriptions they receive after becoming a pilot. Keep in mind that failure to disclose a prescription may result in serious consequences, such as having a pilot certificate revoked, or up to criminal charges if found to be illegal.

Do Prescription Pills Have to Be in an Original Container When Flying?

It is not required to have prescription pills in their original containers when flying. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, all prescriptions should be clearly labeled, which is often made easier by keeping them in their already-labeled original container. Second, if flying to another country, the customs process is often made smoother by having prescriptions in their original container. For these reasons, while it is not required, it is often a good idea to have pills in their original containers.

Flight School Tips for Pilots with Medication

Many successful pilots navigate their aviation careers while managing medications effectively. For aspiring pilots beginning their flight training, understanding a few key strategies can help create a smooth path to success in the flight deck. These guidelines not only support safe flying practices, but also continuous commitment the aviation industry has in supporting pilots who maintain their health through proper medication management.

If you are ready to have your pilot dreams take flight, contact Phoenix East Aviation at info2@pea.com to get in touch with their esteemed Admissions Department which is here to help! 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Does the FAA have a list of approved medications?

No. The FAA publishes medication guidance, but no single approved list covers every pilot’s situation. Your AME must consider the treated condition and your response to the medication, including interactions, before determining the appropriate certification pathway.

Can pilots take DayQuil?

Pilots should not fly while using DayQuil formulas containing dextromethorphan, which the FAA identifies as no go. Check the exact product’s ingredients and applicable post-dose waiting period with your AME; a “non-drowsy” label does not establish flight safety.

What cold medicine can pilots take?

Plain Guaifenesin is generally acceptable when the underlying illness does not compromise flight safety. Combination cold medicines require ingredient-by-ingredient review. Stay grounded if congestion prevents you from clearing your ears or you feel too ill to fly safely without medication.

Can pilots take antidepressants?

Yes, certain antidepressants may qualify for special issuance under the FAA Antidepressant Protocol. Approval requires more than choosing a listed medication: applicants must meet stability requirements and complete the required evaluation. Consult a Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) AME about your circumstances.

Can pilots take Adderall or ADHD medication?

No, current ADHD medication use is incompatible with FAA medical certification. Past use or an ADHD history does not automatically end your options, but it requires evaluation under the FAA’s applicable pathway. Discuss treatment decisions with your clinician and AME.

How long after taking medication can I fly?

The wait depends on the drug. Follow specific FAA guidance first; general Do Not Fly (DNF) guidance uses five times the maximum half-life, or five times the maximum dosing interval if half-life information is unavailable. Your condition must also permit safe flight.