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Pilocarpine

Other names: Vuity, Isopto Carpine, Salagen

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

Eye drops (Vuity, Isopto Carpine), or for glaucoma

FAA guidance

Do not issue.

Examiner

Do not issue: the examiner cannot issue a certificate

FAA label

UNACCEPTABLE

Source: FAA, Eye Medication. FAA date 27 April 2022. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA's eye medication page says pilocarpine (Vuity) is a prescription eye drop used for presbyopia, age-related blurry near vision, and that it creates a temporary chemical correction of visual acuity by decreasing pupil size.

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Compare FAA documents: pilocarpineWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen

It notes overt FDA-required warnings from the manufacturer about night vision and operating machinery, and says that since the medication and the availability of ambient lighting impact visual acuity, pilocarpine is unacceptable.

The FAA's glaucoma medication sheet lists cholinergic agonists, for example pilocarpine (Salagen, Isopto Carpine), as unacceptable glaucoma medication.

Show the FAA's words: pilocarpineThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, Eye Medication · FAA date 27 April 2022
Pilocarpine (Vuity) is a prescription eye drop used for presbyopia (age-related, blurry near vision). It creates a temporary chemical correction of visual acuity by decreasing pupil size.
There are overt FDA-required warnings from the manufacturer regarding night vision and operating machinery. Since medication and the availability of ambient lighting impact visual acuity, pilocarpine is unacceptable.
FAA, Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension Medications · FAA date 27 August 2025
UNACCEPTABLE Glaucoma Medications
Cholinergic Agonist
e.g. pilocarpine (Salagen, Isopto Carpine)
Sources and dates: pilocarpineTwo FAA documents, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked themOpen

By mouth, for dry mouth (Salagen)

pilocarpine (oral)

FAA guidance

Acceptable with conditions.

Wait

48 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 pilocarpine (oral) (Salagen) as allowed, for xerostomia (dry mouth) or sjogren's syndrome, with a wait of 48 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed.

Compare FAA documents: pilocarpine (oral)What each of the two FAA documents says, 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.

The FAA's glaucoma medication sheet lists cholinergic agonists, for example pilocarpine (Salagen, Isopto Carpine), as unacceptable glaucoma medication; that listing is on the pilocarpine entry for glaucoma.

  • 48 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: pilocarpine (oral)The official FAA wording: four passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
Generic: pilocarpine (oral)
Brand Name: Salagen
Drug Class: Salivary stimulant; miotics direct-acting
Underlying Condition: Xerostomia (dry mouth); Sjogren's syndrome
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 48 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
FAA, Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension Medications · FAA date 27 August 2025
UNACCEPTABLE Glaucoma Medications
Cholinergic Agonist
e.g. pilocarpine (Salagen, Isopto Carpine)
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: pilocarpine (oral)Two FAA documents, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked themOpen

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.