Pain
Aspirin
NSAID / antiplatelet
Other names: Bayer, Ascriptin, Ecotrin
Wait
24 hours
after the first dose (the FAA's MedGuide)
A general FAA rule gives a different wait. The specific one applies.
FAA label
GENERALLY SAFE TO FLY
The FAA's over-the-counter guide lists aspirin among the pain relievers in its "Generally Safe to Fly" column, as long as the underlying condition is acceptable.
Track your medicationsCompare FAA documents: aspirinWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen
The FAA's documents differ. The FAA's over-the-counter guide lists this in its generally-safe column and gives it no wait of its own; its general rule for any new medication is 48 hours. The FAA's MedGuide names the medicine itself and gives 24 hours after the first dose, so the MedGuide's wait applies and the guide's general rule is background.
Wait
- the over-the-counter guide's general rule for any new medication is 48 hours
It cautions that some OTC meds are combined with a sedating antihistamine, which can cause drowsiness. The guide also says never to fly after taking a new medication for the first time until at least 48 hours have passed and no side effects are noted.
The FAA's MedGuide names aspirin as allowed, for arthritis, pain management and stroke, with a wait of 24 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used per label directions. 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: aspirinThe official FAA wording: three passages, each with its document and dateOpen
acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn). Most OTC pain meds are safe to fly as long as the underlying condition is acceptable. CAUTION: Some OTC meds are combined with a sedating antihistamine, which can cause drowsiness (see antihistamine row).
Generic: aspirin; acetylsalicylic acid
Brand Name: Ascriptin; Ecotrin; Entrophen; Primaspan [INTL]
Drug Class: NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug)
Underlying Condition: Arthritis; Pain management; Stroke
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: ibuprofen
Brand Name: Advil; Motrin
Drug Class: NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug)
Underlying Condition: Migraine treatment; Osteoarthritis; Pain management; Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
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: naproxen
Brand Name: Anaprox; Naprelan; Naprosyn;
Drug Class: NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug)
Underlying Condition: Osteoarthritis; Pain management; Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
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
NEVER FLY AFTER TAKING A NEW MEDICATION FOR THE FIRST TIME UNTIL AT LEAST 48 HOURS HAVE PASSED AND NO SIDE EFFECTS ARE NOTED.
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.