I frequently get asked about OTC
(over-the-counter) non-prescription medicines and flying. Here are some
general statements:
--The PRIMARY issue is: If you feel you need to take some of these
potions, then look at WHY you are taking them. Head
stopped up -> no fly. Dead tired from coughing all night -> no fly. Running a
fever -> no fly, etc. Should we really be acting as crew when we feel like
crap? Let me use a silly example of the difference between the side
effects and the why: Suppose I invented a medicine that eliminated 8 out of 10
convulsions and had no side effects. Would you want to fly with a pilot
who was taking a medicine with no side effects and prevented only 8 out of 10
convulsions? Of course, the answer is NO but the reason is more WHY
the prescription was written, not what the Rx was.
--If the package has a warning about operating machinery, drowsiness, dry mouth,
etc., of course, no fly. The rule of thumb about use is: let three times the
dose interval elapse before resuming crew duty, i.e., (Directions: "Take
every 6 hours", then allow 18 hours from taking to flying.)
--The over-the-counter things can be very dangerous in spite of their assurances
in ads, labels. etc.
Several documented crashes where autopsy/toxicology resulting in pointing to OTC
meds as contributing strongly.
As far as a whiz quiz, should be no problem