Page Contents
FAA Guidance for Pilots Concerning Pharmaceuticals (Therapeutics)
Introduction to FAA Stance on Medication Usage for Aviators
Pilots should know that either the medication or the condition it is meant to treat could independently compromise flight safety. The relative hypoxic environment of flight may unmask side effects not apparent on the ground.
The FAA pilot section warns that aviators must carefully consider both medication(s) use and the underlying medical condition(s) as either can compromise safety of flight.
The default position is that all new medications are grounding until proven otherwise.

Full Disclaimer will appear on all of our "Medications" section pages because neither FAA nor FlightPhysical.com will attempt to publish references claiming to be all-inclusive. Our site is for guidance only and not intended to replace medical advice from your primary care physician (PCP) and/or AME. As you know, your regular doctors are likely not AMEs, but your reguar Primary Care Provider (PCP) or specialist will definitely know more about you and/or your specific medical condition than your AME, but your personal physician is likely untrained or unfamiliar with aviation medicine.

Obviously most medications are started during intervals between your flight physicals, so it is recommended that you discuss medication options with your regular (prescribing) physician, PA or nurse practitioner before you start any new medications. For non-AME physicians, tell them you are a pilot or air traffic controller. As the FAA points out, it is helpful to ask them if the medication might cause drowsiness or could interfere with the operation of dangerous machinery or driving.

Bottomline: Aviators and ATC controllers should assume that any medication considered unsafe for dangerous equipment operation is also unsafe for flight operations. The list of medications unsafe for flying is broader than the "dangerous machinery" precaution list because of the unique flight environmental conditions, but the initial position for pilots questioning "is it safe to fly on medication XX", remains the same:

Most new medications should be treated as unsafe to use when flying until "approved" by an AME or trusted guidance.

The medication section of FlightPhysical.com is meant to help navigate this very common aviation medication practical dilemma.

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