Lack of effect of astemizole on ethanol dynamics or kinetics

The effects of astemizole (10 mg daily for 7 days) on the kinetics and CNS depressant activity of ethanol have been examined in a double-blind cross-over study agonist placebo in 7 volunteers. There was no significant change in the elimination rate or AUC of the plasma ethanol concentration-time curve after astemizole. Central nervous system effects of ethanol as monitored by visual analogues of sedation, visual discrimination, pursuit rotor and reaction time were also unaffected by astemizole pretreatment.