Pseudoephedrine
Brand names: Sudafed|Last verified: 2026-09-12
FAA Pathway: Acceptable — 48-hour ground trial when first used; no post-dose wait
The FAA lists pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) as an acceptable decongestant, alone or in combination products, with no post-dose no-fly time once you have completed a 48-hour ground trial after first using it. It can speed up your heart rate, so use caution if you have a heart condition, and be careful about adding extra caffeine. Check combination products — many nighttime or "PM" formulas also contain a sedating antihistamine.
Related Resources
Pilot Tip
Always report all medications on your FAA medical application (Form 8500-8, Item 17a), even OTC medications. Failure to disclose is a far bigger issue than the medication itself.
Certification Details
Sources
- FAA OTC Medication Guide
- FAA Pilot OTC Medications Reference Guide (faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification/media/OTCMedicationsforPilots.pdf)
- FAA AME Guide — Pharmaceuticals: Allergy – Antihistamine & Immunotherapy (faa.gov/ame_guide/media/AllergyAntihistamineImmunotherapyMedication.pdf)
Last verified: 2026-09-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pseudoephedrine allowed for pilots?
The FAA considers Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) to be "Generally Approved" for medical certification purposes. The FAA lists pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) as an acceptable decongestant, alone or in combination products, with no post-dose no-fly time once you have completed a 48-hour ground trial after first using it. It can speed up your heart rate, so use caution if you have a heart condition, and be careful about adding extra caffeine. Check combination products — many nighttime or "PM" formulas also contain a sedating antihistamine.
What is the FAA status of Pseudoephedrine?
Pseudoephedrine has a status of "Generally Approved" under FAA medical certification policy. The certification pathway is: Acceptable — 48-hour ground trial when first used; no post-dose wait.
Can I fly while taking Pseudoephedrine?
Pseudoephedrine is generally compatible with flying. However, you must report it on your FAA medical application (Form 8500-8) and ensure you are not experiencing side effects that could impair flight safety. Always consult your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
Important Notice
The FAA does not publish a comprehensive list of “approved” medications. The information on this page represents our interpretation of publicly available FAA guidance and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, legal advice, or a guarantee of certification outcome.
The primary issue with the FAA is always whether the underlying medical condition — not just the medication — is compatible with safe flight. You should only start, stop, or change medications after consulting your treating physician. Always consult with a qualified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for guidance specific to your situation. FAA policies are subject to change. ClearedMed is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA.