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Allergy and cold

Phenylephrine

Oral decongestant
Other names: Sudafed PE

FAA guidance

Generally acceptable.

FAA label

GENERALLY SAFE TO FLY

Source: FAA, What Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Can I Take and Still Be Safe to Fly?. FAA date 28 August 2024. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA's over-the-counter guide lists phenylephrine among the decongestants in its "Generally Safe to Fly" column, with a caution that Sudafed-like medications can speed up the heart rate, and to use caution with an underlying heart condition.

Track your medications
Show the FAA's words: phenylephrineThe official FAA wording: one passage, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, What Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Can I Take and Still Be Safe to Fly? · FAA date 28 August 2024
oxymetazoline (Afrin), phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). CAUTION: Sudafed- like medications can speed up your heart rate; therefore, use caution if you have an underlying heart condition.
Sources and dates: phenylephrineOne 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.