Every pilot knows the question: can I take this and still fly? The FAA has launched MedGuide, an online tool where pilots and air traffic controllers can look up medical conditions, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines.
It was built by the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine, and it tells you whether a medicine is acceptable and whether there’s a waiting period. The basic rule is simple: when you start something new, you usually wait 48 hours before going back to safety-related duties.
The tool also covers later doses and how long to wait after you stop taking a medicine. For now it only lists approved medicines. Conditionally acceptable and banned ones are due in later updates.
The FAA is clear that MedGuide shouldn’t be the only basis for an aeromedical decision. If in doubt, still ask your aviation medical examiner.
European pilots work under different rules, but the idea is worth copying: a quick, searchable list beats guessing in the queue at the pharmacy.
Source: AVweb (Matt Ryan), 16 October 2026