Plain English Meaning

Painkillers. Some are mild and sold without a prescription; others are strong prescription drugs. Many of them affect alertness, judgment, or reaction time, which matters before flying.

Full Definition

Drugs that reduce or block the sensation of pain. Analgesics range from mild over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen to stronger prescription drugs including opioids such as codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Stronger analgesics, particularly opioids, can cause drowsiness, impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, and disqualify a pilot from flight; even some milder analgesics may have side effects that affect safe operation of an aircraft.

Context Anchor

Seen in aeromedical and preflight fitness discussions, especially when deciding whether a or medical could make a flight unsafe.