Guidance material on the use of medications in Pilots and ATCOs
The Advisory Board of the European Society of Aerospace Medicine (ESAM) was asked to produce some guidance material to enable physicians, and aviation medical advisers to obtain the best advice concerning the use of both prescribed and non–prescribed (over-the-counter) medication.
The guidance material is designed to highlight basic principles and to emphasize ‘golden rules’ which are recommended to be observed.
The objective of this paper is to produce guidance for General Medical Practitioners, Consultant Specialists and Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) who are dealing with medical problems occurring in commercial, military, civilian (private) pilots or Air Traffic Controllers and to assist them with the management of medication use. This is not for therapeutic reasons but to enhance the understanding of the potential risks to the safe operation of aviation and accidents in professional or private flying activities, which may occur with the use of medication.
