NARCOTICS, DRUGS, PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS & PREPARATIONS
Narcotics, Drugs, Pharmaceutical Products & Preparations
Drugs of addiction and illegal drugs include a wide field ranging from narcotics (heroin, morphine and codeine), tranquillisers, hallucinogens and so-called recreational drugs such as marijuana, ‘crack’ and ‘ecstasy’. All have effects on the central nervous system and as such they are not compatible with the control of an aircraft.
The consumption of narcotics is not allowed for crew members unless approved by the Authorized Medical Examiner.
Crew members shall not undertake flying duties while under the influence of any drug that may adversely affect performance. Crew member should know that many commonly used drugs have side effects liable to impair judgement and interfere with performance. Ideally, crew member should not fly on duty whilst taking any medication. When in doubt, pilots should contact Authorized Medical Examiner to establish whether medication being taken precludes flight duties or not.
Random testing for psychoactive substances may be performed during recurrent medical examinations. Affected crew members will be informed on short notice by an Authorised Medical Examiner if such test is to be conducted. Qualified medical personnel will carry out the test and the results shall be kept confidential. In the event of a positive test result, the employee shall be subject to disciplinary action (up to an including termination of employment) in accordance with the company’s drug and alcohol abuse policy. Should a crew member refuse to take the test, he will be assumed to be ‘positive’.
The following are some of the types of medication in common use which may impair reactions. There are many others and when in doubt a crew member shall consult the Authorized Medical Examiner.
Analgesics (Pain Killers)
With a lot of analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents, there is risk of gastric irritation or hemorrhage. Ideally a doctor’s advice should be sought before using them. Stronger analgesics available of the counter may contain controlled narcotic substances such as codeine.
Antibiotics
The underlying condition for which antibiotics are being taken may prevent a pilot from flying. However, most antibiotics are compatible with flying. Obviously, where any hypersensitivity is feared, the suspect antibiotic must not be used. A pilot should have previous experience of the antibiotic prescribed, or, alternatively, have a trial of it for a minimum of 24 hours on the ground before using it during flight duties.
Anti-diarrhea
As a lot of medications used in treating symptoms of gastritis and enteritis (diarrhea) may cause sedation, blurring of vision, etc., great care must be exercised in their usage by crew members. In most cases, grounding for a time may be necessary.
Antihistamines
All antihistamines can produce side effects such as sedation, fatigue and dryness of the mouth. Quite commonly they are included in medication for treatment of the common cold, hay fever and allergic rashes or reactions. Some nasal sprays and drops may also contain antihistamines.
Anti-malarial
Most anti-malarial preparations used for prevention and taken in recommended dosage are considered safe for flight duties. As with other medications, pilots should have previous experience of the anti-malarial drug prescribed, or alternatively, have a trial of it for a minimum of 24 hours on the ground before using it during flight duties.
Anti-hypertensive (Drugs for Treating Blood Pressure)
Certain therapeutic agents are compatible with flying activity. They should be prescribed only by a doctor experienced in aviation medicine, and sufficient time must be allowed to assess suitability and freedom from side effects before resuming flight duties.
Appetite Suppressants
These preparations can affect the central nervous system and should not be taken during flight duties.
Hypnotics, Sedatives and other Sleep Inducing Medications
Use of hypnotics and other sleep inducing medications is not permitted. They may dull the senses, cause confusion and slow reactions. Crew also need to be wary that certain sleep inducing agents marketed as “herbal” (e.g. Velerian) may be poorly regulated and often contain pharmaceutical products such as benzodiazepines.
Steroids
Use of steroids (cortisone, etc.) with few exceptions precludes crew member from flight duties.
Tranquillizers, Antidepressants and Psychotic Drugs
All these types of drugs preclude crew member from flight duties because of the underlying condition for which they are being used, as well as the possible side effects resulting from them. Flight duties should not be resumed until treatment with these types of drugs has been discontinued, and until the effects of the drugs have entirely worn off. This can take several days in some instances.
Combining Alcohol and Medications
Alcohol combined with most types of medication is a most undesirable and dangerous combination.
Drugs of addiction and illegal drugs include a wide field ranging from narcotics (heroin, morphine and codeine), tranquillisers, hallucinogens and so-called recreational drugs such as marijuana, ‘crack’ and ‘ecstasy’. All have effects on the central nervous system and as such they are not compatible with the control of an aircraft.
The consumption of narcotics is not allowed for crew members unless approved by the Authorized Medical Examiner.
Crew members shall not undertake flying duties while under the influence of any drug that may adversely affect performance. Crew member should know that many commonly used drugs have side effects liable to impair judgement and interfere with performance. Ideally, crew member should not fly on duty whilst taking any medication. When in doubt, pilots should contact Authorized Medical Examiner to establish whether medication being taken precludes flight duties or not.
Random testing for psychoactive substances may be performed during recurrent medical examinations. Affected crew members will be informed on short notice by an Authorised Medical Examiner if such test is to be conducted. Qualified medical personnel will carry out the test and the results shall be kept confidential. In the event of a positive test result, the employee shall be subject to disciplinary action (up to an including termination of employment) in accordance with the company’s drug and alcohol abuse policy. Should a crew member refuse to take the test, he will be assumed to be ‘positive’.
The following are some of the types of medication in common use which may impair reactions. There are many others and when in doubt a crew member shall consult the Authorized Medical Examiner.
Analgesics (Pain Killers)
With a lot of analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents, there is risk of gastric irritation or hemorrhage. Ideally a doctor’s advice should be sought before using them. Stronger analgesics available of the counter may contain controlled narcotic substances such as codeine.
Antibiotics
The underlying condition for which antibiotics are being taken may prevent a pilot from flying. However, most antibiotics are compatible with flying. Obviously, where any hypersensitivity is feared, the suspect antibiotic must not be used. A pilot should have previous experience of the antibiotic prescribed, or, alternatively, have a trial of it for a minimum of 24 hours on the ground before using it during flight duties.
Anti-diarrhea
As a lot of medications used in treating symptoms of gastritis and enteritis (diarrhea) may cause sedation, blurring of vision, etc., great care must be exercised in their usage by crew members. In most cases, grounding for a time may be necessary.
Antihistamines
All antihistamines can produce side effects such as sedation, fatigue and dryness of the mouth. Quite commonly they are included in medication for treatment of the common cold, hay fever and allergic rashes or reactions. Some nasal sprays and drops may also contain antihistamines.
Anti-malarial
Most anti-malarial preparations used for prevention and taken in recommended dosage are considered safe for flight duties. As with other medications, pilots should have previous experience of the anti-malarial drug prescribed, or alternatively, have a trial of it for a minimum of 24 hours on the ground before using it during flight duties.
Anti-hypertensive (Drugs for Treating Blood Pressure)
Certain therapeutic agents are compatible with flying activity. They should be prescribed only by a doctor experienced in aviation medicine, and sufficient time must be allowed to assess suitability and freedom from side effects before resuming flight duties.
Appetite Suppressants
These preparations can affect the central nervous system and should not be taken during flight duties.
Hypnotics, Sedatives and other Sleep Inducing Medications
Use of hypnotics and other sleep inducing medications is not permitted. They may dull the senses, cause confusion and slow reactions. Crew also need to be wary that certain sleep inducing agents marketed as “herbal” (e.g. Velerian) may be poorly regulated and often contain pharmaceutical products such as benzodiazepines.
Steroids
Use of steroids (cortisone, etc.) with few exceptions precludes crew member from flight duties.
Tranquillizers, Antidepressants and Psychotic Drugs
All these types of drugs preclude crew member from flight duties because of the underlying condition for which they are being used, as well as the possible side effects resulting from them. Flight duties should not be resumed until treatment with these types of drugs has been discontinued, and until the effects of the drugs have entirely worn off. This can take several days in some instances.
Combining Alcohol and Medications
Alcohol combined with most types of medication is a most undesirable and dangerous combination.
NARCOTICS, DRUGS, PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS & PREPARATIONS
Reviewed by Aviation Lesson
on
6:58 AM
Rating:
Reviewed by Aviation Lesson
on
6:58 AM
Rating:
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