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

Heart/cardiac medications: The FAA has authorized airmen to use a wide variety of
these medications in certain conditions, depending on the individual's health, provided
the airman's condition is stable and the agency reviews the case. See the VFS sections on
Heart Disease for detailed descriptions of conditions, their treatment, the medications and
how to obtain a waiver from the FAA. The VFS section on FAA Policy on various heart
conditions has concise answers and explanations.
Herpes medications: Herpes infections of all types, oral, genital and skin (Zoster), may
be prevented or treated with both oral and topical (skin) medications. Famvir
(famciclovir) and Zovirax (acyclovir) are available in oral forms. Pilots using these
medications must ground themselves for at least two days once beginning the drug, to
determine there are no significant side effects. If none, the FAA will authorize pilots to
fly on these medications and report their use on the next medical application. Zovirax
also is available in a cream, which pilots may use and not ground themselves if the
condition does not interfere with safe operations of an aircraft.
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Intestinal/antidiarrheal/anti-spasmodic medications: OTC preparations such as
Kaopectate, Imodium and Pepto-Bismol are allowed if the symptoms are not severe.
Prescription medications such as Lomotil, Bentyl, Levsin, Donnatal, and Librax are not
authorized if used regularly. Occasional use of Lomotil and Donnatal for self-limited
conditions such as a gastroenteritis or traveler's diarrhea require a 48 hour waiting period
after the last dose before returning to flight duty. These medications contain
anticholinergic compounds that may adversely effect vision. Donnatal contains
barbiturates that may cause a positive DOT drug test. Cantil, another, anti-spasmodic for
irritable bowel syndrome, is not approved.
Male Impotence medication: FDA recently authorized Viagra (sildenafil citrate) as the
first oral form of treatment (pill) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The FAA
recommends that the medication be used strictly in the dosages recommended by the
manufacturer and all contraindications (reasons not to use the medication) be strictly
observed. Pilots should not use Viagra within 6 hours of performing their (aviation)
duties. The VFS section on Viagra contains extensive information from many sources
and a link to the Federal Air Surgeon's Bulletin article on Viagra. Uprima has not yet
been approved by the FDA.
Migraine headache medication: Individual cases vary greatly. However, after
evaluation and FAA review, the agency will permit use of certain prophylactic migraine
headache medications. These medications to prevent migraines, beta blockers and
calcium channel blockers are primarily used for heart conditions and high blood pressure,
but may also be effective in vascular (migraine type) headaches. Cluster headaches
prevented with Sansert may also be waived. FAA approval requires documentation that
the medication is successful in preventing the occurrence of headaches. See the VFS
article on Headaches for a complete discussion