Pain
Naproxen and your FAA medical
NSAID
Other names: Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, Naprelan
Wait
24 hours
after the first dose (the FAA's MedGuide)
A general FAA rule gives a different wait. The specific one applies.
FAA label
GENERALLY SAFE TO FLY
The FAA's over-the-counter guide lists naproxen among the pain relievers in its "Generally Safe to Fly" column, and its note beside that row says the same of most OTC pain meds, as long as the underlying condition is acceptable.
Track your medicationsCompare FAA documents: naproxenWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen
The FAA's documents differ. The FAA's over-the-counter guide lists this in its generally-safe column and gives it no wait of its own; its general rule for any new medication is to wait at least 48 hours and until no side effects are noted. The FAA's MedGuide names the medicine itself and gives 24 hours after the first dose, so the MedGuide's wait applies and the guide's general rule is background.
Wait
- the over-the-counter guide's general rule for any new medication is to wait at least 48 hours and until no side effects are noted
It cautions that some OTC meds are combined with a sedating antihistamine, which can cause drowsiness. The guide also says never to fly after taking a new medication for the first time until at least 48 hours have passed and no side effects are noted.
The FAA's MedGuide names naproxen as allowed, for osteoarthritis, pain management and rheumatoid arthritis, with a wait of 24 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed. 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.
- 24 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: naproxenThe official FAA wording: three passages, each with its document and dateOpen
Aches and Pains
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and analgesics
GENERALLY SAFE TO FLY Medication or active ingredient GO
acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn). Most OTC pain meds are safe to fly as long as the underlying condition is acceptable. CAUTION: Some OTC meds are combined with a sedating antihistamine, which can cause drowsiness (see antihistamine row).
Generic: aspirin; acetylsalicylic acid
Brand Name: Ascriptin; Ecotrin; Entrophen; Primaspan [INTL]
Drug Class: NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug)
Underlying Condition: Arthritis; Pain management; Stroke
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: Per label directions
Generic: ibuprofen
Brand Name: Advil; Motrin
Drug Class: NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug)
Underlying Condition: Migraine treatment; Osteoarthritis; Pain management; Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: Per label directions
Generic: naproxen
Brand Name: Anaprox; Naprelan; Naprosyn;
Drug Class: NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug)
Underlying Condition: Osteoarthritis; Pain management; Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
NEVER FLY AFTER TAKING A NEW MEDICATION FOR THE FIRST TIME UNTIL AT LEAST 48 HOURS HAVE PASSED AND NO SIDE EFFECTS ARE NOTED.
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.