2017 HCHB_digital
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Drugs in Aviation<br />
AVIATION – PRECAUTIONS FOR OTC MEDICINES USE<br />
The aviation environment is complex and demanding on human performance.<br />
Everyone who works in aviation needs “a clear head”, good mental alertness,<br />
unimpaired vision and balance, the ability to concentrate (often for long<br />
periods), the ability to respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies, and<br />
good coordination and motor skills. Medicines which interfere with these safety<br />
requirements must not be taken prior to, or while on, duty. These include products<br />
which cause:<br />
••<br />
behaviour problems, including excitement or agitation<br />
••<br />
sedation<br />
••<br />
memory, concentration, vigilance impairment<br />
••<br />
locomotor impairment, tremor<br />
••<br />
disturbances of the special senses, particularly vision and balance.<br />
Some nonprescription medicine ingredients such as antihistamines, even some<br />
labelled as non-sedating, can have significant side effects which may compromise<br />
safety in the aviation workplace.<br />
Treatments that may not be safe<br />
Many common products may not be safe to use. These include products used<br />
to treat:<br />
••<br />
abdominal pain<br />
••<br />
colds<br />
••<br />
diarrhoea<br />
••<br />
hay fever<br />
••<br />
itchy eyes<br />
••<br />
motion sickness<br />
••<br />
pain or inflammation<br />
••<br />
smoking addiction (specifically varenicline).<br />
All over the counter medication or health preparations should be regarded<br />
with caution, including preparations used for body-building, which may contain<br />
anabolic steroids. Complementary remedies, including Chinese herbals and even<br />
homeopathic remedies may be unsafe as their content is not subject to the same<br />
stringent requirements as registered medicines, or they may cause side effects<br />
such as drowsiness, or interfere with other medicines the person may be taking.<br />
Medicine side effects can be further aggravated in the flight environment<br />
when combined with other environmental stressors such as hypoxia, reduced<br />
barometric pressure, accelerations, noise, and reduced humidity and temperature.<br />
There are other aggravating factors to consider, such as working at night, jet lag<br />
and fatigue. Interactions with prescription medicines should also be considered.<br />
An important factor is the condition being treated. A pilot requiring treatment<br />
may be unable to safely exercise the privileges of any licence held.<br />
It is essential that anyone involved in prescribing or recommending medicines<br />
for aviation workers ensures patients/purchasers are cautioned about possible<br />
adverse side effects and safety implications in the workplace.<br />
Individuals are ultimately responsible to establish the safety of the medicines<br />
they are taking. It is best to seek medical opinion, preferably from a medical<br />
examiner designated by the Civil Aviation Authority, and inform their operations<br />
manager. It may be necessary to declare that they are unfit for flying or Air Traffic<br />
Control duties. The safety of the individual, co-workers and passengers depends<br />
on responsible and informed users of non-prescription and medically prescribed<br />
drugs or complementary remedies.<br />
Licence holders should be aware of their obligation under Section 27C of the<br />
Civil Aviation Act – see www.caa.govt.nz. In particular, licence holders are<br />
reminded of their duty to report any change of medical condition to the Director<br />
of Civil Aviation (preferably via their Medical Examiner), unless it is a temporary<br />
condition specifically exempted by the Director of Civil Aviation in a General<br />
Direction (GD); there is currently no GD defining temporary medical conditions<br />
that do not need to be reported.<br />
Civil Aviation Authority of NZ central medical unit help desk: 04 560 9466 or<br />
med@caa.govt.nz<br />
REVIEWED BY Dr CLAUDE PREITNER, Senior Medical Officer, Civil<br />
Aviation Authority of New Zealand, March <strong>2017</strong>.<br />
Page 208 HEALTHCARE HANDBOOK <strong>2017</strong>-2018 References Charts