jgpo@ihu1e.UUCP (John, KA9MNK) (02/28/85)
Before you throw out your aspirin and Tylenol and stock up on the new ibuprofen-containing nonprescription analgesics, especially if you're a pilot, consider this gem I found in the book *Medication and Flying: A Pilot's Guide*, Dr. Stanley R. Mohler, 1985, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, no ISBN. "Ibuprofen is used to relieve the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is also - and now probably more commonly - used for the relief of mild to moderate pain. In addition to its desired therapeutic effects, ibuprofen may cause unwanted side effects. Examples of these side effects that are of significance to pilots include dizziness, skin rash, heartburn, and blurred vision. Reports suggest the rare development of hallucinations while on the drug. It is unwise to pilot aircraft while taking ibuprofen, from the stand- point of both the condition being treated and the side effects of the drug. If in doubt about the condition being treated, consult an [Aviation Medical Examiner]. The half-life is about six hours. When the drug is discontinued, allow thirty hours prior to performing pilot duties." Dr. Mohler places ibuprofen in his Category VI: drug's adverse effects preclude safe flying. Aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol, et al.) are in Category I: flight duties are normally permissable. I guess I'll just stick to good old aspirin. Happy flying, John Opalko AT&T Bell Labs Naperville, IL P.S.: This is a d*mn good book. It tells you about everything from A-Cillin to Zyloprim. Sort of a poor man's PDR. Pick up a copy if you can find it. It's easily available to AOPA members, and I assume non-members can buy it for a higher price. The address of the AOPA is Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association 421 Aviation Way Frederick, MD 21701.
ed@mtxinu.UUCP (Ed Gould) (03/04/85)
> Before you throw out your aspirin and Tylenol and stock up on the new > ibuprofen-containing nonprescription analgesics ... Also, note that the margin of error between a theraputic dose and a toxic dose of aspirin is greater than for acetamenophen (Tylenol, etc.), and acetamenophen has a greater margin than ibuprofen. (This is information I got from a friend who is a lawyer involved in medical malpractice defense, so it's at least third-hand from a physician.) -- Ed Gould mt Xinu, 739 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94710 USA {ucbvax,decvax}!mtxinu!ed +1 415 644 0146