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Pseudoephedrine / Phenylephrine
SACAA Part 67 assessment
Not acceptable / incompatible with flying duties
Active ingredient(s)
Pseudoephedrine / Phenylephrine
Systemic decongestant
Guidance notes
SA-CATS 67 Table A1 lists pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, dextromethorphan, codeine and theophylline among cough and cold preparation actives that are unacceptable for aviation personnel. Non-alcohol, non-central preparations (carbocysteine, guaifenesin, acetylcysteine) are acceptable instead. The underlying URTI/sinus condition is itself usually grounding (barotrauma risk).
Known SA brand names
Contact a professional
Our partner Buchner Med can assist with aviation medical assessments and DAME consultations. Alternatively, find an SACAA-certified DAME directly through the official list.
Possible acceptable alternatives (same therapeutic group)
- Fluticasone / Mometasone (nasal steroid)Flixonase, Nasonex, AvamysAcceptable
- Oxymetazoline (topical nasal spray)Iliadin, DrixineAcceptable
Alternatives are informational only. The underlying medical condition must also be assessed by a DAME — a condition can ground you even when the medicine is acceptable.