Thyroid & Antithyroid Drugs and Flight

The thyroid gland and its hormones control and influence many of the physiologic and metabolic processes of the body. Therefore، thyroid dysfunction has systemic manifestations which require treatment. Critical situation associated with flight mandates a complete knowledge of drugs used in thyroid disorders. In military part: According to Canadian Air Force guidelines، patients with hyperthyroidism must be grounded on diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. If thyroid suppression treatment with propylthiouracil or methimazole is undertaken، aircrew must remain ground eel until a euthyroid state has been re-established. Aircrew other than pilot may be return eel to flying duties under the close supervision of the flight surgeon، but reguire a geographic limitation from deployments greater than 8 weeks to allow appropriate follow-up. Patients with hypothyroidism may be returned to flying duties while using thyroid replacement hormones once a state of clinical and biochemical euthyroidism has been established (TSH normal، no symptoms or signs). In civil part: The FAA approves the use of these. Medications once the treated condition is stable and the airman’s physician provides documentation indicating that the airman’s thyroid function has returned to normal (euthyroid). Thyroid cancer treated with medication requires FAA waiver before the pilot can return to flight duties.