Medication and Alcohol

Question 1

It takes approximately the following amount of caffeine to develop dependence (approximately 100mg caffeine per 8 ounces of coffee).

a) one cup of coffee per day
b) 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day
c) 5 to 7 cups of coffee per day
d) 8 or more cups of coffee per day

Answer 1

c) 5 to 7 cups of coffee per day

Question 2

What is the current bottle to throttle rule in FAR 91 for civilian aircraft?

Answer 2

8 hours for the FAA. Most military have 12 hours.

Question 3

The pilot wants to know what side effects his Valium might cause. You tell him about each of the effects noted below EXCEPT:

a) anticholinergic effects
b) sedative effects
c) paradoxical rage effects
d) ataxic effects

Answer 3

a) Valium has no anticholinergic properties

Question 4

What is the biologic half life of Diazepam (valium)?

Answer 4

20-50 hours

Question 5

The rate of elimination of alcohol is fairly constant. How many hours does it take to eliminate one ounce of alcohol?

Answer 5

3 hours

Question 6

Significant decrements in the performance of pilots are seen at blood alcohol levels as low as_______?

Answer 6

40 mgs % or .04, which is typically half the legal limit of 80 mgs % or .08.

Question 7

Which statement regarding melatonin is correct?

a) it is a prescription drug that counteracts fatigue by its stimulatory effects.
b) it is an OTC drug that have proven salutary effects for circadian dysynchronosis
c) it is effective against circadian dysynchronosis although its significantly reduces night vision
d) It is a synthetic adrenal hormone that enhances the quality of sleep
e) It is an OTC supplement without scientific evidence that it facilitates the entrainment of circadian rhythm.

Answer 7

e) It is an OTC supplement. The evidence is scant for its entrainment of sleep.