Korean J Aerosp Environ Med.  2013 Aug;23(2):39-42.

The Medication Guidelines of Pilots for Safe Flight

• Yun YJ

Abstract

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are usually approved for use in flight while some are not. The laboratory results showed that pilots are often motivated to consider the use of OTC medications. But those who do not have enough knowledge or have inappropriate information sometimes have to make proper decisions on OTC drug usage under more complicated constraints of a safety-critical job. To better understand how pilots come to use OTC drugs, this paper provides a summing-up suggestion for pilots’decisions about using OTC drug products. In this paper factors were discussed that could influence drug trends and some guidance for safe medication were presented. In addition, the author argues that pilots should be provided with additional guidance when making decisions about OTC drug use.

Keyword

Over-the-counter drug; Pilot; Safety