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Diclofenac

Other names: Cambia, Lofena, Zipsor, Zorvolex, Cataflam, Voltaren

The FAA's guidance for diclofenac depends on how it is taken. Each way is below, with its own FAA source and date.

Eye drops

diclofenac (ophthalmic)

FAA guidance

Acceptable with conditions.

Wait

24 hours

after the first dose

Source: FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference). FAA date 1 October 2026. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA's MedGuide lists diclofenac (ophthalmic) as allowed, for pain management or postoperative surgery, with a wait of 24 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed.

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More detail: diclofenac (ophthalmic)The rest of Crosscheck's reading, in plain wordsOpen

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, and says wait times are not determined solely by the medication: an extended observation period may be required to verify clinical stability of the condition.

  • 24 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: diclofenac (ophthalmic)The official FAA wording: three passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
Generic: diclofenac (ophthalmic)
Brand Name: (no brand)
Drug Class: NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug), ophthalmic
Underlying Condition: Pain management; Postoperative surgery
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
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
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.
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
Underlying Condition: Evaluating medication use requires considering the impact of safety of flight from both the medication and underlying condition. Wait times are not determined solely by the medication; an extended observation period may be required to verify clinical stability of the condition.
Sources and dates: diclofenac (ophthalmic)One FAA document, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked itOpen

By mouth (Cambia, Lofena, Zipsor, Zorvolex)

diclofenac (oral)

FAA guidance

Acceptable with conditions.

Wait

24 hours

after the first dose

Source: FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference). FAA date 1 October 2026. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA's MedGuide lists diclofenac (oral) (Cambia, Lofena, Zipsor, Zorvolex, Cataflam) as allowed, for osteoarthritis, pain management or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with a wait of 24 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed.

More detail: diclofenac (oral)The rest of Crosscheck's reading, in plain wordsOpen

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, and says wait times are not determined solely by the medication: an extended observation period may be required to verify clinical stability of the condition.

  • 24 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: diclofenac (oral)The official FAA wording: three passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
Generic: diclofenac (oral)
Brand Name: Cambia; Lofena; Zipsor; Zorvolex; Cataflam [INTL]
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
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
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.
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
Underlying Condition: Evaluating medication use requires considering the impact of safety of flight from both the medication and underlying condition. Wait times are not determined solely by the medication; an extended observation period may be required to verify clinical stability of the condition.
Sources and dates: diclofenac (oral)One FAA document, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked itOpen

On the skin (Voltaren)

diclofenac (topical)

FAA guidance

Acceptable in the FAA document cited.

Source: FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference). FAA date 1 October 2026. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA's MedGuide lists diclofenac (topical) (Voltaren) as allowed, for pain management, with no wait after the first dose, after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed.

More detail: diclofenac (topical)The rest of Crosscheck's reading, in plain wordsOpen

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, and says wait times are not determined solely by the medication: an extended observation period may be required to verify clinical stability of the condition.

Show the FAA's words: diclofenac (topical)The official FAA wording: three passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
Generic: diclofenac (topical)
Brand Name: Voltaren
Drug Class: NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug)
Underlying Condition: Pain management
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
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
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.
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
Underlying Condition: Evaluating medication use requires considering the impact of safety of flight from both the medication and underlying condition. Wait times are not determined solely by the medication; an extended observation period may be required to verify clinical stability of the condition.
Sources and dates: diclofenac (topical)One FAA document, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked itOpen

See also

Medication guidance alone does not determine whether a pilot is medically qualified to fly. The underlying condition, dosage, side effects, medication combinations, and certification history may affect FAA eligibility.

For informational purposes only. Not legal or medical advice.