Should I take blood pressure medication before flying?

There isn't any legally imposed limit as far as we're aware, but a high blood pressure must be controlled with medication before you travel for your safety.



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One of the main issues of flying when you have hypertension is the reduced oxygen level in the plane cabin, which occurs because of the high altitude. Being in high altitudes, (at least 5,000 to 11,500 feet above sea level) can increase a person's blood pressure because of the low level of oxygen.

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However, you will need to speak to your doctor before making a journey to ensure that you take the right precautions and know what warning signs to look out for. The main risk for those combining high blood pressure and flying is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

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If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, you should not take decongestants without approval of your healthcare provider. Swallow often and chew gum during the flight, particularly during take-off and as the plane reduces altitude prior to landing. Drink plenty of fluids.

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These include any hormone-based drugs, like the contraceptive pill and some fertility medicines, and drugs used to prevent heart attack and stroke. Antihistamines should also not be used to help passengers sleep during a flight.

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These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax). Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).

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Does the FAA have a list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that pilots can and cannot take while flying?
  • Tranquilizers, such as but not limited to Valium, Librium, Ativan.
  • Most antidepressants. ...
  • Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin.
  • Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril.


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recent operation or injury where trapped air or gas may be present in the body (e.g. stomach ,bowel, eyes, face, brain) severe long term diseases that affect your breathing. breathlessness at rest. unresolved pneumothorax (punctured lung)

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Never fly after taking a new medication for the first time until at least 48 hours have passed and no side effects are noted. As with alcohol, medications may impair your ability to fly—even though you feel fine. If you have questions about a medication, ask a healthcare provider. When in doubt, safety first—don't fly.

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Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.

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Beta-blockers are typically used to provide short-term relief of physical symptoms caused by anxiety. Most people who take beta-blockers for anxiety take the medication as needed before an anxiety-inducing event, such as a plane flight, public speaking engagement, or medical procedure.

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