Stomach
Antacids
Simple antacid
Other names: Tums, calcium carbonate, Maalox, aluminum hydroxide, Milk of Magnesia, magnesium hydroxide
Wait
24 hours
after the first dose of Maalox, milk of magnesia or sucralfate (the FAA's MedGuide, whose table has no entry for Tums or Rolaids and names calcium carbonate only in its multivitamin entry, with no wait)
Examiner
The examiner can issue when the document's criteria are met
The FAA says simple antacids and sucralfate taken to prevent symptoms may not be disqualifying if free from side effects.
Track your medicationsCompare FAA documents: AntacidsWhat each of the three FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen
Its over-the-counter guide lists aluminum hydroxide (Maalox), calcium carbonate (Tums) and magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) for indigestion in the "generally safe to fly" column, and says to be careful not to mask the underlying symptoms.
The FAA's MedGuide names aluminum hydroxide with magnesium hydroxide and simethicone (Maalox), magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) and sucralfate (Carafate) as allowed, with a wait of 24 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used per label directions; its table has no entry for Tums or Rolaids, and calcium carbonate appears only in its entry for multivitamins and minerals in any combination, as a supplement, with no wait. 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.
- 24 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: AntacidsThe official FAA wording: three passages, each with its document and dateOpen
The prophylactic use of medications including simple antacids, H-2 inhibitors or blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and/or sucralfates may not be disqualifying, if free from side effects.
Generic: aluminum hydroxide + magnesium hydroxide + simethicone
Brand Name: Maalox
Drug Class: Antacid (2) + Antiflatulent
Underlying Condition: Antacid
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: Per label directions
Generic: magnesium hydroxide
Brand Name: Milk of Magnesia
Drug Class: Antacid; Laxative
Underlying Condition: Antacid
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: Per label directions
Generic: sucralfate
Brand Name: Carafate
Drug Class: Gastrointestinal Agent
Underlying Condition: Stomach ulcers
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: Per label directions
GENERALLY SAFE TO FLY Medication or active ingredient GO
Indigestion Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) H2 blockers Antacids esomeprazole (Nexium) lansoprazole (Prevacid) omeprazole (Prilosec) pantoprazole (Protonix) rabeprazole (Aciphex)
Aluminum hydroxide (Maalox) Calcium carbonate (Tums) Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) Be careful not to mask the underlying symptoms.
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.