Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications Tool Kit ... - Home

a result, Glaxo-Wellcome has voluntarily removed the product from the market
and is working with the FDA. The FAA never authorized the use of Lotronex in
pilots. See the FDA Consumer Information Letter and the FDA Lotronex
Information page.
• Propulsid (cisapride) - Designed to aid in relief of heartburn type symptoms and
to speed emptying of the stomach, Janssen recently initiated a voluntary halt in
marketing of this medication due to reports of deaths from cardiac arrhythmias. It
is still available in limited investigational protocols. See the FDA MedWatch
warning letter.
New medications currently NOT Approved by the FAA:
• Alpha Interferon - This medication is used for many purposes, but recently has
been used for the treatment of hepatitis C. It is given periodically by injection,
but can cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue and muscle aches. The FAA briefly
approved alpha interferon only when used to treat hepatitis C. However, in late
September 2001, the FAA reversed its previous approval and specifically
excluded all forms of alpha interferon for medical certification. This prohibition
is primarily due to concerns about depression associated with alpha interferon use.
See the VFS section on Hepatitis for a detailed discussion. The FAA will not
allow the newly approved combination drug Rebetol capsules combining
ribaviron and interferon alpha-2b.
• Meridia (sibutramine): Weight reduction drug works by suppressing appetite.
Marketed as a replacement for "Fen-Phen" without the potentially lethal heart and
lung side effects. Do not anticipate approval in the future. See FDA Press
Release. See this page's section on weight loss and the VFS article on Weight
Management for Pilots for more complete discussions.
• Celexa (citalopram): A new antidepressant medication with a generally minimal
side effect profile, this medication is not approved for use by pilots. The FAA
policy on antidepressant medication currently is a blanket ban. Requests for a
change in this policy are pending with the Federal Air Surgeon. See the VFS
section on Anxiety, Depression and Counseling for Pilots.
• Sonata (zaleplon) - A newly released, short acting sleep medication. It is
marketed as not having any persistent drowsiness effects after four hour from
use. The FAA does not approve the use of any sleep inducing medications when
flying. One FAA Regional Flight Surgeon has stated the policy on flying after use
of Sonata requires a minimum of 36 hours from the last dose and at least one
normal sleep cycle without medication before returning to flight. See FDA
Sonata Consumer Info.
• Ultram (tramadol) - Though not a narcotic by chemical make-up, Ultram is a
potent pain reliever that has warnings of potentially causing physical and