Effects of two antihistamine drugs on actual driving performance. Issue 6413 (28th January 1984)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Betts, T; Markman, D; Debenham, S; Mortiboy, D; McKevitt, T
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 288:Issue 6413(1984)
• Page Start: 281
• Page End: 282
• Publication Date: 1984-01-28
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.288.6413.281
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : A double blind placebo controlled experiment was conducted measuring the effects of the centrally active antihistamine triprolidine and the peripherally acting antihistamine terfenadine on actual driving performance in a group of experienced women drivers. Triprolidine greatly impaired driving behaviour, whereas terfenadine did not. Triprolidine also impaired subjective and objective measures of mood and arousal, and despite an awareness that their driving was impaired while they were taking this agent subjects could not correct their performance. This study suggests that drivers who need antihistamine drugs should avoid those that act centrally.