skirtinstorms

Is there an official list of FAA approved drugs posted somewhere? I think I am coming down with a cold and I would like to know what medicine I can take and what I should avoid. And if there is something I'm not allowed to take, how long from the time I take it will I have to wait before legally going back on duty? I have seen the website http://www.leftseat.com/medcat1.htm but I am hoping for something a bit more official. Thanks in advance for your help.

navyman_tx

www.aopa.org

mike734

http://www.aviationmedicine.com/inde...useaction=home

skirtinstorms

Mike, you are always very fast at helping me with my aviation concerns. Thank you very much.
I took a look at the link, but I'm still a little confused. Am I correct that I can be taking non-drowsy Sudafed and still pass a drug test? If I happen to take something like a NiQuil which is not approved, am I ok to be on duty as long as I have 12 hours between duty time and taking the dose? I understand that I should not be on duty with an illness and I do not plan to go to work knowing that I have a cold relying on Sudafed. What I am concerned with is losing my job and license for testing positive on a random drug test after taking a dose of medicine on a day off or something silly like that.
I also looked at aopa.org. Thank you Navyman. Unfortunately, I am not a member and couldn't get much info from them. I should really consider becoming a member with them once again.

mike734

Well, it is obviously a question I can't really answer but you should look in to what kinds of drugs they test for. I don't have the list but I know it is only for about 6 substances. What you don't want to do is take aspirin with codeine and fly for a week or so. (Vicodin for example). You can take any drug prescribed to you but must wait until the drug is out of your system. I am really uncomfortable advising you because I am far from an expert. ALPA medical would be a good place to ask.

grandpa

I would look into which drugs are approved and take those. Taking a drug like nyquil may be a mistake as dextromethorphan (DXM) can be tested for in urine, however it depends on the type of testing they do. Their are also "rumors" that DXM can produce a positive result for phencyclidine (PCP), which is commonly tested for in urinalysis. I am assuming that may be why it's not approved. In a case like this i am not sure what the law says for you guys. You should contact the proper authority who is in change of testing or regulations and find out wat they say.

pilot79

Not a rumor at all, its true. If the test is done via dipstick, it will test positive. When the HPGC confirmation assay is run, they will see that it was not PCP BUT if requested can continue the test to see what produced a positive test result. The sample is split into 3 parts and sent to 2 other labs for confirmation. If it is a DOT drug test, like all pilots take, it goes to a total of 5 labs for confirmation when a positive test result is aquired. And I believe the test results are then reported to the FAA in most cases. "Nyquil, the coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, get better so you can lose your job medicine!" Keep in mind though if you have been off it for at least 8 hours, it "shouldn't" show up at all, unless they do HPGC right off the bat... but I wouldn't risk it

Dextromethorphan is metabolized similer to codeine. Peak plasma levels are at 2 hours with a half life of 3 to 4 hours. So at 8 hours off, it shouldn't be an issue. But again, don't press your luck!

I work in a hospital lab and got an A in clinical pharmacology... but in no way am I giving you advice!!!

PIPErdrvr

Does anyone know if I can take Coricidin HBP cold and flu and still fly? Specifically, what chemicals should I avoid? Finding a way to contact my airlines medical department is eluding me. Thanks!