Is my medication FAA approved?
312 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and supplements, checked against the FAA AME Guide on November 1, 2026.
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Each entry says whether the FAA generally accepts it, wants a wait before you fly, handles it through special issuance, or will not let an AME issue a medical while you take it.
WAIT Do not fly until the wait has passed; routine use is a problem. (55)
SI Allowed only through FAA special issuance. (12)
DNI The AME cannot issue while you take it. (47)
ASK AME Accepted in general, with a condition worth checking first.
A
acetaminophen
Accepted. Watch for combination products that add diphenhydramine or doxylamine ("PM" and "nighttime" versions).
acyclovir
Accepted.
adalimumab
Biologics for arthritis, Crohn's or psoriasis are considered case by case. The condition drives the paperwork, not the drug.
albuterol
Accepted for mild, well-controlled asthma. Bring a status note if asthma is new.
alcohol
14 CFR 91.17: 8 hours bottle to throttle and under 0.04 BAC; most airlines require more. Not on the medication list, but the most common DNF of all.
alendronate
Osteoporosis drugs are accepted.
alfuzosin
Same as tamsulosin.
alirocumab
PCSK9 injections are conditionally accepted, with a 4-hour no-fly time after each dose (FAA cholesterol table).
allergy shots
Accepted. The FAA asks for a 4-hour wait after each shot or under-the-tongue dose.
allopurinol
Accepted for gout.
almotriptan
Accepted for occasional use with a 24-hour wait after a dose (FAA migraine table). Frequent migraines are reviewed as a condition.
alprazolam
Benzodiazepine. No flying while it is active, and routine use means the AME defers. Occasional use needs the 5-half-lives wait (days).
amiodarone
Accepted for atrial fibrillation up to 200 mg a day, but the rhythm problem itself needs a full FAA cardiac review.
amitriptyline
Tricyclic antidepressants are unacceptable, even for migraine or nerve pain.
amlodipine
Calcium channel blocker. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
amoxicillin
Antibiotics are accepted. The FAA asks for 48 hours after the first dose to be sure of no side effects, and the infection itself has to be fit to fly.
amphetamine salts
Same as methylphenidate.
anastrozole
Case by case.
antacids
Accepted.
apixaban
Newer blood thinners (DOACs) are accepted case by case; the FAA follows the protocol for the condition being treated.
apremilast
Case by case for psoriasis.
aripiprazole
Antipsychotic. Do Not Issue.
artificial tears
Accepted; not in flight.
ashwagandha
Herbal, not on the FAA lists. Concentrated herbals can be sedating; try it on a day off.
aspirin
Accepted for pain or as a daily low-dose blood thinner. If a doctor put you on it for a heart or stroke reason, that condition is what the FAA reviews, not the aspirin. Report it on MedXPress.
atenolol
Beta blocker. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
atogepant
Daily CGRP tablet for prevention, accepted after a 7-day trial.
atomoxetine
ADHD medication, Do Not Issue.
atorvastatin
Statins are accepted. Report on MedXPress; 48-hour ground trial when new.
atovaquone-proguanil
Accepted for malaria prevention with a 24-hour observation after the first dose.
avanafil
Accepted with an 8-hour wait.
azelastine (nasal)
Nasal antihistamine spray, accepted with no observation time.
azithromycin
Antibiotics are accepted. The FAA asks for 48 hours after the first dose to be sure of no side effects, and the infection itself has to be fit to fly.
B
baclofen
Muscle relaxant with a drowsiness label. No flying while it is active.
bempedoic acid
Accepted.
benazepril
ACE inhibitor. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
benzonatate
Cough capsule. AME guidance gives a 36-hour wait after use.
benztropine
Oral anticholinergic on the FAA Do Not Issue list.
bimekizumab
Biologic for psoriasis and related conditions, on the FAA biologics list. Accepted if the condition qualifies, after a 2-week ground trial, with a 4-hour no-fly time after each dose.
bismuth subsalicylate
Accepted for a minor stomach upset. Note it contains a salicylate, like aspirin.
bisoprolol
Beta blocker. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
botulinum toxin
For migraine: special issuance with a 72-hour wait. Cosmetic use: case by case.
bromocriptine
Dopamine agonist, on the FAA Do Not Issue list.
brompheniramine
Sedating antihistamine. Same 5-day rule as chlorpheniramine.
budesonide (nasal)
Nasal steroid spray, accepted.
budesonide inhaler
Same as fluticasone inhalers.
bupropion (SR/XL)
Added to the FAA antidepressant path in 2023 (slow-release forms only). Same HIMS AME process and 3-month stable period. As Zyban for quitting smoking: no medical during a first course, 7-day wait after the last dose.
buspirone
Anti-anxiety medication. Psychiatric drugs are Do Not Issue unless on the antidepressant list; this one is not.
butalbital
Barbiturate headache combination. Unacceptable on the FAA migraine table.
C
cabergoline
Accepted.
caffeine
Nothing to report. Heavy doses raise heart rate and blood pressure at the exam.
canagliflozin
SGLT2 inhibitor, accepted, 30-day observation when new.
candesartan
ARB. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
carbidopa-levodopa
Case by case; Parkinson's itself is reviewed by the FAA.
carisoprodol
Muscle relaxant on the FAA do-not-fly list.
carvedilol
Beta blocker. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
CBD
CBD itself is not automatically disqualifying, but products are unregulated, often contain THC, and a positive DOT test from CBD counts as positive. Most AMEs advise against it.
celecoxib
Prescription NSAID, accepted. New to you? The FAA wants a 48-hour ground trial after the first dose of any new medication.
cephalexin
Antibiotics are accepted. The FAA asks for 48 hours after the first dose to be sure of no side effects, and the infection itself has to be fit to fly.
cetirizine
The FAA lists cetirizine as sedating: occasional use only (one or two times a week), no flying while it is active, 48 hours after a dose. Loratadine or fexofenadine are the daily options.
cetirizine eye drops
Allergy eye drops are accepted; do not put drops in right before or during flight.
chloroquine
Accepted with a 24-hour observation; color vision can be affected.
chlorpheniramine
Sedating antihistamine. The FAA observation time is 5 days.
chlorthalidone
Thiazide-type diuretic. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
ciprofloxacin
Antibiotics are accepted. The FAA asks for 48 hours after the first dose to be sure of no side effects, and the infection itself has to be fit to fly. Fluoroquinolones carry tendon warnings; do not start a heavy training block on them.
citalopram
One of the antidepressants the FAA allows, but only as a single agent through a HIMS AME after at least 3 months stable on it. The AME cannot issue in the office. Call your AME before you start it.
clemastine
Sedating antihistamine, 5 days.
clindamycin
Antibiotics are accepted. The FAA asks for 48 hours after the first dose to be sure of no side effects, and the infection itself has to be fit to fly.
clomiphene
Case by case for low testosterone or fertility.
clonazepam
Benzodiazepine with a long half-life. Same rule; the wait runs over a week.
clonidine
Centrally acting blood pressure drug. The AME cannot issue; ask your doctor about an accepted class.
clopidogrel
Antiplatelet, accepted case by case. The stent or event behind it is what the FAA reviews.
codeine
Narcotic. Same handling as hydrocodone.
colchicine
Accepted for gout.
creatine
A supplement, not a medication. Nothing to report.
cromolyn (nasal)
Accepted.
cyclobenzaprine
Muscle relaxant on the FAA do-not-fly list.
D
dabigatran
Same as apixaban.
dapagliflozin
SGLT2 inhibitor, accepted, 30-day observation when new.
denosumab
Accepted.
desloratadine
Non-sedating antihistamine, accepted.
desvenlafaxine
SNRI on the FAA list. Same special issuance path as sertraline.
dextromethorphan
Cough suppressant with a drowsiness warning. No flying with it active; the label rule applies.
diazepam
Benzodiazepine, long half-life. Same rule.
diclofenac
Accepted, including the gel and patch. New to you? The FAA wants a 48-hour ground trial after the first dose of any new medication.
dicyclomine
Antispasmodics are generally not accepted (anticholinergic).
diethylpropion
Weight loss stimulant, unacceptable.
digoxin
Case by case with a cardiac evaluation.
dihydroergotamine
Ergot migraine rescue. Accepted for occasional use with a 48-hour wait (FAA migraine table).
diltiazem
Calcium channel blocker. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one. If it is for a rhythm problem, that condition is what the FAA reviews.
dimenhydrinate
Motion sickness antihistamine, sedating. Same handling as diphenhydramine.
diphenhydramine
Sedating antihistamine. The FAA wait is 60 hours after the last dose. It hides in many "PM" and "nighttime" products.
docusate
Stool softener, accepted.
doxazosin
Alpha blocker. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one. Also used for prostate.
doxycycline
Antibiotics are accepted. The FAA asks for 48 hours after the first dose to be sure of no side effects, and the infection itself has to be fit to fly. Sun sensitivity is the common side effect.
doxylamine
Sedating antihistamine sleep aid. Same 60-hour wait as diphenhydramine.
dulaglutide
GLP-1 for diabetes, accepted with the diabetes paperwork. Not with a meglitinide.
duloxetine
SNRI on the FAA list, even when prescribed for pain. Same special issuance path as sertraline.
dupilumab
Accepted for eczema or asthma, case by case.
dutasteride
Accepted for prostate.
E
eletriptan
Accepted for occasional use with a 48-hour wait.
empagliflozin
SGLT2 inhibitors are accepted, 30-day observation when new.
emtricitabine-tenofovir
Accepted for PrEP. HIV treatment itself is handled under the FAA HIV protocol.
enalapril
ACE inhibitor. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
epinephrine auto-injector
Carry it if prescribed. After using it, no flying until a physician clears you. The allergy itself may need FAA review.
eptinezumab
CGRP infusion for prevention, accepted after a 7-day trial, no wait (FAA migraine table).
erenumab
Monthly CGRP injection for prevention, accepted after a 7-day trial, no wait.
escitalopram
One of the antidepressants the FAA allows, but only as a single agent through a HIMS AME after at least 3 months stable on it. The AME cannot issue in the office. Call your AME before you start it.
esketamine
Listed as unacceptable on the FAA antidepressant table.
esomeprazole
Accepted.
estrogen
Hormone replacement is accepted.
eszopiclone
Sleep aid. FAA wait: 30 hours.
etanercept
Same as adalimumab.
evolocumab
PCSK9 injections are conditionally accepted, with a 4-hour no-fly time after each dose (FAA cholesterol table).
ezetimibe
Accepted.
F
famotidine
Accepted.
febuxostat
Accepted for gout after evaluation.
fenofibrate
Accepted.
fexofenadine
Non-sedating antihistamine, accepted with no observation time.
finasteride
Accepted for hair loss or prostate. Report it on MedXPress.
fish oil
Nothing to report.
flecainide
Rhythm drug, case by case with a full cardiac work-up.
fluconazole
Accepted.
fluoxetine
One of the antidepressants the FAA allows, but only as a single agent through a HIMS AME after at least 3 months stable on it. The AME cannot issue in the office. Call your AME before you start it.
fluticasone (nasal)
Nasal steroid sprays are accepted.
fluticasone inhaler
Inhaled steroids and combination inhalers are accepted when asthma is controlled.
fluvoxamine
Not on the FAA list of allowed antidepressants, so the AME cannot issue.
fremanezumab
Same as erenumab.
frovatriptan
Longer-acting triptan. Accepted for occasional use with a 48-hour wait (FAA migraine table).
furosemide
Loop diuretic. Accepted; the reason it was prescribed matters more than the drug.
G
gabapentin
Treated as a seizure medication by the FAA even for nerve pain. Unacceptable on the migraine table; the AME cannot issue without FAA review.
galcanezumab
Same as erenumab.
gemfibrozil
Accepted.
ginger
Accepted for motion sickness.
glimepiride
Same as glipizide.
glipizide
Sulfonylurea, accepted with the diabetes paperwork and a 60-day observation when new. Low blood sugar events are the FAA's concern.
glyburide
Same as glipizide.
guaifenesin
Expectorant, accepted. Mucinex D adds pseudoephedrine; Mucinex DM adds dextromethorphan.
guanfacine
Centrally acting. The AME cannot issue.
H
hydralazine
Direct vasodilator. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
hydrochlorothiazide
Thiazide diuretic. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
hydrocodone
Narcotic pain reliever. No flying while it is in use, then the wait. Short use after a procedure is tolerated and noted by the AME; chronic use is disqualifying.
hydroxychloroquine
Accepted, with an eye evaluation on file (the FAA has a Plaquenil status report form).
hydroxyzine
Sedating antihistamine often prescribed for itch or anxiety. Not accepted for flight deck use; no flying while it is active.
I
ibuprofen
Accepted. Avoid the "PM" versions before flying.
icosapent ethyl
Accepted.
indomethacin
Accepted; it can cause headache and dizziness in some people, so do the ground trial. New to you? The FAA wants a 48-hour ground trial after the first dose of any new medication.
infliximab
Same as adalimumab.
insulin
Insulin-treated diabetes needs an FAA special issuance with a CGM protocol: 180 days of observation for first or second class. Possible since 2019, but it is a process, not an office issue.
ipratropium
Accepted.
irbesartan
ARB. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
isotretinoin
Accepted with a "not valid for night flying" limitation while on it, because of night vision effects.
K
kava
On the FAA do-not-fly supplement list.
ketorolac
Accepted for short courses under 5 days, with a 36-hour wait after each dose (FAA migraine table).
ketotifen eye drops
Accepted; not immediately before flight.
kratom
On the FAA do-not-fly supplement list.
L
lamotrigine
Seizure medication, unacceptable even for mood or migraine.
lansoprazole
Accepted.
latanoprost
Glaucoma drops are accepted after a proper eye evaluation.
levetiracetam
Seizure medication. The AME cannot issue.
levocetirizine
Same rule as cetirizine.
levofloxacin
Antibiotics are accepted. The FAA asks for 48 hours after the first dose to be sure of no side effects, and the infection itself has to be fit to fly.
levomilnacipran
Listed as unacceptable on the FAA antidepressant table.
levothyroxine
Accepted once the dose is stable. Bring a recent TSH.
lidocaine patch
Topical, accepted.
linaclotide
Accepted after an observation period.
linagliptin
Accepted with the diabetes paperwork.
liothyronine
Case by case, like levothyroxine.
liraglutide
Same as semaglutide.
lisinopril
ACE inhibitor. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
lithium
Mood stabilizer. Do Not Issue.
loperamide
Accepted for limited use. Diarrhea bad enough to need it is a reason to question flying that day.
loratadine
Non-sedating antihistamine, accepted with no observation time.
lorazepam
Same as alprazolam.
losartan
ARB. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
lovastatin
Statins are accepted. Report on MedXPress; 48-hour ground trial when new.
M
magnesium
Nothing to report.
marijuana / THC
Schedule I. Disqualifying regardless of state law, alone or in combination.
meclizine
Motion sickness antihistamine. Not accepted for flight deck use; the 36-hour figure comes from AME guidance.
mefloquine
This malaria drug is not accepted. Most other malaria drugs are.
melatonin
Not on the FAA no-fly list, but it is a sleep aid; the FAA expects you not to fly while it is active. Low dose, the night before, is the common practice.
meloxicam
Prescription NSAID, accepted. New to you? The FAA wants a 48-hour ground trial after the first dose of any new medication.
mesalamine
Accepted for ulcerative colitis when the condition is stable.
metformin
Accepted, 14-day observation when new. A diabetes diagnosis itself needs FAA paperwork (A1c, doctor status report). For weight loss alone the FAA has a separate one-week rule.
methimazole
Accepted once thyroid levels are normal.
methocarbamol
Muscle relaxant with a drowsiness label. The label rule applies: no flying while it is active.
methotrexate
Accepted for arthritis or psoriasis (not for cancer). Bring the prescribing doctor's status note.
methyldopa
Centrally acting. The AME cannot issue.
methylphenidate
ADHD stimulants are disqualifying while in use, and an ADHD history has its own FAA review. Talk to your AME before anything is prescribed.
methylprednisolone
A short taper is handled like prednisone: the dose matters. Ask your AME if you are mid-course at exam time.
metoclopramide
Anti-nausea. 36-hour wait after a dose.
metoprolol
Beta blocker. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one. Tell the AME what it is prescribed for.
metronidazole
Antibiotics are accepted. The FAA asks for 48 hours after the first dose to be sure of no side effects, and the infection itself has to be fit to fly. No alcohol with it.
minoxidil (oral)
Oral minoxidil is a blood pressure medication. Accepted as an antihypertensive, but talk to your AME before starting it, and expect blood pressure questions.
minoxidil (topical)
Topical use is generally accepted.
mirabegron
Accepted for overactive bladder, the alternative the FAA points to.
mirtazapine
Not on the FAA allowed list; also sedating.
modafinil
Stimulant. Do Not Issue.
mometasone (nasal)
Nasal steroid spray, accepted.
montelukast
Accepted for asthma or allergies. The FAA added a boxed-warning note about mood effects; mention any to your AME.
morphine
Narcotic. Same handling as hydrocodone.
multivitamin
Nothing to report.
N
naltrexone
Used in recovery programs; handled under the FAA substance protocol with a HIMS AME, not in the office.
naltrexone + bupropion
Weight loss combination on the Do Not Issue list.
naproxen
Accepted.
naratriptan
Accepted for occasional use with a 24-hour wait after a dose (FAA migraine table). Frequent migraines are reviewed as a condition.
nebivolol
Beta blocker. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
niacin
Accepted.
nicotine pouches
Nicotine replacement is accepted. Nothing to report as a medication.
nicotine replacement
Accepted with no wait. The nasal spray needs a 48-hour trial.
nifedipine
Calcium channel blocker. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
nitrofurantoin
Antibiotics are accepted. The FAA asks for 48 hours after the first dose to be sure of no side effects, and the infection itself has to be fit to fly.
nitroglycerin
Nitrates mean angina, and angina is disqualifying until the FAA reviews it.
nortriptyline
Tricyclic, unacceptable.
O
olmesartan
ARB. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
olopatadine (nasal)
Accepted after a 7-day ground trial.
olopatadine eye drops
Accepted; not immediately before flight.
omeprazole
Accepted.
ondansetron
Anti-nausea. The FAA migraine table gives a 24-hour wait after a dose.
oral contraceptives
Accepted.
orforglipron
Oral GLP-1 on the FAA weight-loss list, same one-week rule.
orlistat
Accepted after a 48-hour ground trial.
oseltamivir
Accepted. The flu itself grounds you.
oxybutynin
Overactive bladder drug on the FAA Do Not Issue list (anticholinergic). Ask about mirabegron instead.
oxycodone
Same as hydrocodone.
oxymetazoline
Nasal decongestant spray, accepted for short use. More than three days in a row causes rebound congestion, which is its own flying problem.
P
pantoprazole
Accepted.
paroxetine
Not on the FAA list of allowed antidepressants, so the AME cannot issue. Ask about switching to a listed one.
phendimetrazine
Weight loss stimulant, unacceptable.
phentermine
Weight loss stimulant. The AME cannot issue while you take it.
phenylephrine
Accepted on its own. Check the other ingredients in the box.
pioglitazone
Accepted, 30-day observation when new.
polyethylene glycol
Accepted.
pramipexole
Dopamine agonist, Do Not Issue.
pramlintide
On the FAA Do Not Issue list.
pravastatin
Statins are accepted. Report on MedXPress; 48-hour ground trial when new.
prednisone (20 mg/day or less)
Short courses at or under 20 mg a day are accepted; the AME notes the reason. Hydrocortisone up to 80 mg a day is the equivalent line.
prednisone (over 20 mg/day)
High-dose steroids: the AME cannot issue while you take them.
pregabalin
Same as gabapentin.
promethazine
Sedating. The FAA migraine table gives a 96-hour wait.
propranolol
Beta blocker. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one. Accepted for migraine prevention too (7-day trial).
protein powder
A food. Nothing to report.
pseudoephedrine
Accepted on its own. A cold bad enough to need it is itself a reason not to fly (ear and sinus blocks). Avoid combination products that add a sedating antihistamine.
Q
quetiapine
Antipsychotic. Do Not Issue, including low doses for sleep.
R
ramelteon
Sleep aid. FAA wait: 24 hours.
ramipril
ACE inhibitor. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
ranolazine
Angina drug on the Do Not Issue list.
rimegepant
Accepted for occasional use (not daily), 24-hour wait.
rivaroxaban
Same as apixaban: accepted after two weeks of documented stability, with periodic status reports.
rizatriptan
Accepted for occasional use with a 24-hour wait after a dose (FAA migraine table). Frequent migraines are reviewed as a condition.
ropinirole
Dopamine agonists (also pramipexole, Mirapex) are on the Do Not Issue list, including for restless legs.
rosuvastatin
Statins are accepted. Report on MedXPress; 48-hour ground trial when new.
rotigotine
Dopamine agonist patch, on the FAA Do Not Issue list.
S
scopolamine patch
Motion sickness patch. Not accepted for flight deck use.
semaglutide
Accepted for diabetes (30-day observation when new) or for weight loss (one week, plus 48 hours after each dose change, no diabetes, A1c never 6.5 or more). Bring a recent clinical note.
sertraline
One of the antidepressants the FAA allows, but only as a single agent through a HIMS AME after at least 3 months stable on it. The AME cannot issue in the office. Call your AME before you start it.
sildenafil
Accepted with an 8-hour wait before flying (FAA ED table).
silodosin
Accepted after a 30-day observation.
simvastatin
Statins are accepted. Report on MedXPress; 48-hour ground trial when new.
sitagliptin
Accepted with the diabetes paperwork.
solifenacin
Same as oxybutynin.
spironolactone
Diuretic. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
St. John's wort
Accepted only if the condition it treats is not disqualifying. It interacts with many prescriptions.
sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim
Antibiotics are accepted. The FAA asks for 48 hours after the first dose to be sure of no side effects, and the infection itself has to be fit to fly.
sumatriptan
Accepted for occasional use with a 24-hour wait after a dose (FAA migraine table). Frequent migraines are reviewed as a condition.
suvorexant
Newer sleep aid, not on the FAA named list. All sleep aids are do-not-fly; the general 5-half-lives rule applies (about 3 days).
T
tadalafil
As-needed use: 24-hour wait. Daily 2.5 or 5 mg: accepted with no wait after a 7-day trial. With an alpha blocker, no flying until it is clear you get no blood pressure drops.
tamsulosin
Alpha blocker for prostate, accepted. Some pilots get lightheaded at first; start on a day off (7-day trial).
telmisartan
ARB. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
temazepam
Benzodiazepine sleep aid. FAA wait: 72 hours.
terazosin
Alpha blocker. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
terbinafine
Accepted.
testosterone
Testosterone replacement is accepted with documentation of the reason and labs. Bring the prescribing doctor's note.
ticagrelor
Listed as special issuance only.
timolol eye drops
Glaucoma drops, accepted after evaluation.
tiotropium
Accepted for COPD or asthma when the condition is stable.
tirzepatide
Same as semaglutide.
tizanidine
Muscle relaxant with a drowsiness label. No flying while it is active.
tolterodine
Same as oxybutynin.
topical NSAID gel
Topical pain gels are accepted.
topical steroid cream
Accepted.
topiramate
Seizure medication, even when prescribed for migraine or weight. The AME cannot issue.
tramadol
Non-narcotic but on the FAA do-not-fly list.
trazodone
Not on the FAA allowed list, and it is used as a sleep aid, which is a do-not-fly category.
tretinoin
Topical acne treatment, accepted.
triamcinolone (nasal)
Nasal steroid spray, accepted.
triamterene
Diuretic combo. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
triazolam
Benzodiazepine sleep aid on the FAA Do Not Fly list. Not on the FAA sleep-aid wait table, so the general 5-half-lives rule applies; routine use means the AME defers.
U
ubrogepant
Accepted for occasional use, 24-hour wait.
upadacitinib
Case by case, like the other biologics.
ursodiol
Accepted.
V
vaccines
Accepted. Do not fly if you have side effects; a day off after a shot is common practice.
valacyclovir
Accepted.
valerian
On the FAA do-not-fly supplement list.
valproate
Seizure medication, unacceptable.
valsartan
ARB. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one. Entresto is for heart failure, which the FAA reviews itself.
vardenafil
Accepted with an 8-hour wait.
varenicline
Accepted for stopping smoking if there is no psychiatric history, after a one-week ground trial.
venlafaxine
SNRI on the FAA list since 2023. Same special issuance path as sertraline.
verapamil
Calcium channel blocker. Accepted for blood pressure (an FAA-approved class). Up to three such drugs; readings at or under 155/95 at the exam; a 7-day no-fly ground trial when you start or change one.
vibegron
Accepted for overactive bladder.
vilazodone
On the FAA antidepressant list. Same special issuance path.
vitamin D
Nothing to report.
vortioxetine
Listed as unacceptable on the FAA antidepressant table.
W
warfarin
Accepted with paperwork: six weeks of observation after starting, six INR results, then monthly INRs. The clot or valve it treats is reviewed too.
Z
zaleplon
Sleep aid. FAA wait: 12 hours, the shortest on the list.
zavegepant
Nasal CGRP rescue spray. Accepted for occasional use, 24-hour wait (FAA migraine table).
zolmitriptan
Accepted for occasional use with a 24-hour wait after a dose (FAA migraine table). Frequent migraines are reviewed as a condition.
zolpidem
Sleep aid. FAA wait: 24 hours. Occasional use for a time-zone problem is tolerated with the wait; routine use means the AME defers.
zolpidem (oral spray)
FAA wait: 48 hours.
zolpidem (sublingual)
Different formulation, longer wait: 36 hours.
Common questions
Is Zoloft (sertraline) FAA approved for pilots?
sertraline (Zoloft): Special issuance path. One of the antidepressants the FAA allows, but only as a single agent through a HIMS AME after at least 3 months stable on it. The AME cannot issue in the office. Call your AME before you start it.
How long after taking Benadryl can a pilot fly?
diphenhydramine (Benadryl, ZzzQuil, Tylenol PM, Advil PM, Unisom SleepGels): Do not fly until the wait has passed. No-fly wait: 60 hours. Sedating antihistamine. The FAA wait is 60 hours after the last dose. It hides in many "PM" and "nighttime" products.
Can pilots take Ozempic or Wegovy?
semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus): Generally accepted. Accepted for diabetes (30-day observation when new) or for weight loss (one week, plus 48 hours after each dose change, no diabetes, A1c never 6.5 or more). Bring a recent clinical note.
How long after Ambien can a pilot fly?
zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR): Do not fly until the wait has passed. No-fly wait: 24 hours. Sleep aid. FAA wait: 24 hours. Occasional use for a time-zone problem is tolerated with the wait; routine use means the AME defers.
Can pilots take Viagra or Cialis?
sildenafil (Viagra): Generally accepted. No-fly wait: 8 hours. Accepted with an 8-hour wait before flying (FAA ED table). tadalafil (Cialis): Generally accepted. No-fly wait: 24 hours (as-needed dosing); none on daily low dose. As-needed use: 24-hour wait. Daily 2.5 or 5 mg: accepted with no wait after a 7-day trial. With an alpha blocker, no flying until it is clear you get no blood pressure drops.
What do DNI and DNF mean on the FAA medication list?
The FAA groups medications into Do Not Issue (DNI), which an Aviation Medical Examiner cannot certify while you take them, and Do Not Fly (DNF), which you may take but must not fly while they are active, usually five times the drug's longest half-life or a specific wait the FAA sets. Source: the FAA AME Guide, Do Not Issue / Do Not Fly page.
General FAA rule for anything sedating: wait five times the drug's longest half-life, or five times the dosing interval if the half-life is unknown. Any label that says "may cause drowsiness" means no flying while it is active. A new medication of any kind calls for a 48-hour ground trial after the first dose.
This checker is a guide built from public FAA material, not medical advice and not a certification decision. Sources: FAA Do Not Issue / Do Not Fly, FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners. The list is not all-inclusive.