| Generally Safe to Fly (GO) | Avoid (NO GO) |
|---|---|
|
Non-sedating products: • fexofenadine (Allegra) • loratadine (Claritin) • melatonin (not an antihistamine) |
Sedating products: • brompheniramine (Dimetapp) • cetirizine (Zyrtec) • chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) • diphenhydramine (Benadryl) • levocetirizine (Xyzal) • dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) • meclizine (Antivert) • diphenhydramine (e.g., Zzzquil, Benadryl) • Doxylamine (e.g., Unisom) |
The FAA describes their rationale:
Histamines affect allergies AND sleep/wake cycle. Sedating antihistamines can cause drowsiness and impaired thinking and judgement.
NOTE: Sedating antihistamines are commonly found in autopsy after aircraft accidents. The wait times for these medications are longer than noted in the "Dosage Interval Wait Timetable" due to their longer half-life. Consult your AME.
"Hang-over effect" morning after safety concern.
NOTE: Taking melatonin at the wrong time can actually worsen jet lag and cause daytime drowsiness.
Code of Federal Regulations (Legal Extract)
- First-Class Airman Medical Certificate: 67.105(b)(c)
- Second-Class Airman Medical Certificate: 67.205(b)(c)
- Third-Class Airman Medical Certificate: 67.305(b)(c)
Medical History: Item 18.e., Hay fever or allergy.
Pilots must report frequency and duration of symptoms, any incapacitation by the condition, treatment, and side effects through MedXPress. The AME will inquire whether the applicant has ever experienced any barotitis (“ear block”), barosinusitis, alternobaric vertigo, or any other symptoms that could interfere with aviation safety. (AMEs should refer to Item 26).
Disclaimer: Neither the FAA nor FlightPhysical.com will attempt to publish all-inclusive references. Online guidance does not replace medical advice from your PCP and/or AME. Most doctors are not AMEs, and your regular Primary Care Provider (PCP) or specialist will know more about you and/or your specific medical condition than an AME, but is probably untrained or unfamiliar with aviation medicine. Follow 14 CFR 61.53 (duty to self-ground when ill) for your safety and that of your passengers. Don't fly after taking a new medication for the first time until 48 hours have past without side effects.
When in doubt - DO NOT FLY.
FAA AME Guide Dec 2025 version and FAA.gov