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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/sport-medications-degrade

Which kinds of medications can seriously degrade pilot performance?

Both prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

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  1. Both prescribed and over-the-counter ✔
  2. Only prescribed medications
  3. Only over-the-counter medications

Why: Pilot performance can be seriously degraded by both prescribed and over-the-counter medications, and by the conditions they treat. Even common cold or allergy pills can cause drowsiness.

Huh, didn't know that: Even antihistamines and motion sickness pills have side effects that can impair judgment, alertness and coordination.

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References

Answer: Both prescribed and over-the-counter. Pilot performance can be seriously degraded by both prescribed and over-the-counter medications, and by the conditions they treat. Even common cold or allergy pills can cause drowsiness.

  1. FAA AIM 8-1-1 Fitness For Flight www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html
    Pilot performance can be seriously degraded by both prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. FAA AIM 8-1-1 Fitness For Flight www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html
    the pilot should contact an Aviation Medical Examiner for advice.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. FAA AIM 8-1-1 Fitness For Flight www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html
    Others, such as antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, muscle relaxants, and agents to control diarrhea and motion sickness, have side effects
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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