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Description
GI Medications including Antacids, PPIs and H2 Blockers
FlightPhysical.com Abbreviated Briefing

CAUTION: The FAA adds a precaution being careful not to mask the underlying symptoms. These warnings are also on the labels because underlying serious conditions such as cancer or ulcers could improve after these medications but chronic sufferers still need medical checkups and occasionally EGDs to more fully characterize the problem.

Content
Generally Safe to Fly (GO) Avoid (NO GO)
Antacids:
• Aluminum hydroxide (Maalox)
• Calcium carbonate (Tums)
• Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) Antacids:
• Aluminum hydroxide (Maalox)
• Calcium carbonate (Tums)
• Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)

H2 Blockers (a type of antihistamine with GI focus):
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• famotidine (Pepcid)
• nizatidine (Axid)
• ranitidine (Zantac)

PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) Meds that Reduce Production of Stomach Acid at Cellular Level:
• esomeprazole (Nexium)
• lansoprazole (Prevacid)
• omeprazole (Prilosec)
• pantoprazole (Protonix)
• rabeprazole (Aciphex)

 None specifically listed in FAA guidelines
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.
References
FAA AME Guide Dec 2025 version and FAA.gov