Antihistamine effects on actual driving performance in a standard test: a summary of Dutch experience, 1989-94

The review summarizes the major results of eight double-blind, placebo-controlled, volunteer studies undertaken by three independent institutions for showing the effects on actual driving performance of "sedating" and "nonsedating" antihistamines (respectively, triprolidine, diphenhydramine, clemastine and terfenadine, loratadine, cetirizine, acrivastine, mizolastine, and ebastine). A common, standardized test was used that measures driving impairment from vehicular "weaving" (i.e., standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP)). Logical relationships were found between impairment and dose, time after dosing, and repeated doses over 4-5 days. The newer drugs were generally less impairing, but differences existed among their effects, and none was unimpairing at doses 1-2x the currently recommended levels. One or possibly two of the newer drugs possessed both performance-enhancing and -impairing properties, depending on dose, suggesting two mechanisms of action.