Skin
Acne creams, and antibiotics for acne
Topical acne medication or oral antibiotic for acne
Other names: tretinoin, Retin-A, adapalene, Differin, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin for acne
Wait
7 days
after the first dose of minocycline
Different waits apply in other cases.
Examiner
The examiner can issue when the document's criteria are met
FAA label
ACCEPTABLE
The FAA's acne page says topical acne medications, such as Retin A, and oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, used for acne are acceptable if the applicant is otherwise qualified.
Track your medicationsCompare FAA documents: Acne creams, and antibiotics for acneWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen
Wait
- 24 hours after the first dose of clindamycin, doxycycline or sarecycline
- none for tretinoin or adapalene (the FAA's MedGuide, whose table names tetracycline only in a combination and has no entry for benzoyl peroxide)
The FAA's MedGuide names minocycline (Minocin), for acne and bacterial infections, as allowed with a wait of 7 days after the first dose; clindamycin (Cleocin), for acne and bacterial infections, and sarecycline (Seysara), for acne, with 24 hours; doxycycline (Doryx), for bacterial infections and malaria prophylaxis, with 24 hours; and tretinoin (Retin-A) and adapalene (Differin) on the skin, for acne, with no wait; each with none after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed. Its table names tetracycline only inside a combination (bismuth subcitrate with metronidazole and tetracycline, Pylera) and has no entry for benzoyl peroxide. The MedGuide defines allowed as acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.
- minocycline: 7 days after the first dose: ground observation
- clindamycin, doxycycline or sarecycline: 24 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: Acne creams, and antibiotics for acneThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
Topical acne medications, such as Retin A, and oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, used for acne are acceptable if the applicant is otherwise qualified.
Generic: minocycline
Brand Name: Minocin
Drug Class: Antibiotic (Tetracycline Derivative)
Underlying Condition: Acne; Bacterial infections
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 7 days
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
Generic: clindamycin
Brand Name: Cleocin
Drug Class: Antibiotic (Lincosamide)
Underlying Condition: Acne; Bacterial infections
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
Generic: sarecycline
Brand Name: Seysara
Drug Class: Antibiotic (Tetracycline Derivative)
Underlying Condition: Acne
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
Generic: doxycycline
Brand Name: Doryx; Vibramycin [INTL]; Periostat [INTL]
Drug Class: Antibiotic (Tetracycline Derivative)
Underlying Condition: Bacterial infections; Malaria prophylaxis
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
Generic: tretinoin (topical)
Brand Name: Retin-A (topical)
Drug Class: Retinoic Acid Derivative Topical
Underlying Condition: Acne; Wrinkles
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): None
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
Generic: adapalene (topical)
Brand Name: Differin
Drug Class: Retinoic Acid Derivative Topical
Underlying Condition: Acne
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): None
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
ALLOWED: The medication is acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.