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

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Diet aids/weight reduction/appetite suppressants: Over-the-counter products
containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine (Ma Huang) may be used if there are no side
effects. Phenylpropanolamine has been removed from the market by the FDA. Also see
the FDA Consumer Advisory on Ephedra. This product may contribute to heart rhythm
disturbances that adversely effect medical certification.
Some of OTC medications of this type contain antihistamines. These medications are not
allowed for flight deck use and have a waiting period similar to that of the OTC cold
medications. Prescription appetite suppressants such as Redux, Phen/Fen, Meridia and
Pondimin are not allowed for flight deck use. An extensive article on medical and FAA
approved weight reduction and body shaping techniques is available in the VFS Health
and Nutrition section. Also see Drug Therapy for Obesity, an article in American
Family Physician (Note: Only medications listed in the article allowed by FAA for
pilots are Dexatrim and Xenical.) Patient Handout
Xenical (orlistat) blocks fat absorption in the intestine and reduces calories from food.
Some problems exist in vitamin absorption and loose stools in users of this new weight
reduction medication. The FAA will approve pilots using the medication after a two
week ground test period without significant side effects.
Diet supplements/herbal preparations/vitamins: General nutrition supplements and
herbal preparations that are manufactured and sold within the United States usually are
not regulated by the FDA and are not restricted by the FAA for flight duty use. However,
pilots should be careful to take these supplements only in recommended doses. Dietary
supplements and herbal preparations produced in the United States have not been found
to cause positive urine drug test results. See the VFS sections on Vitamin/Mineral
supplements and Herbals/Accessory nutrients and other food supplements for specific
information on potential aviation side effects. Caution is warranted in self-diagnosis and
self-treatment of conditions for the purpose of avoiding FAA reporting responsibilities.
this practice may unduly jeopardize personal health and safe flight operations.
Fungal medications: The FAA generally allows airmen to use oral medications such as
Gris-PEG, Lamisil and Sporanox to treat chronic nail fungal infections if they undergo
proper medical monitoring and do not suffer side effects.
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Glaucoma medications: The FAA approves the use of most anti-glaucoma agents. An
initial evaluation of the condition must be provided to the agency on FAA Form 8500-14
(Evaluation for Glaucoma) to obtain FAA permission to use the medication. Agents that
constrict the pupils, such as pilocarpine, are not approved as they adversely effect night
vision. VFS will soon have an article on glaucoma in the VFS Medical Information
Center. Contact VFS for waiver assistance if you have ocular hypertension or glaucoma
requiring medication.