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Anti-emetic drug effects on pilot performance: granisetron vs. ondansetron
T A Benline1, J French, E Poole
1Systems Research Laboratories, Dayton, OH, USA.
Background:
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of two anti-emetic drugs, granisetron (1 mg tablets/2 mg oral dose) and ondansetron (8 mg tablets/8 mg oral dose) on flying and mission performance in an F-16 research simulator.
Methods:
The experimental approach, involving 9 pilots, was a placebo controlled, double blind, crossover design. Each pilot flew three defensive counter air missions. Data on nine measures of flying performance were collected via the simulator data recorder. In addition, ratings on mission and flying performance were recorded by simulator instructor pilots. Data were also collected on symptoms and side effects, mood, and vigilance.
Results:
This study, carried out in the context of a simulated tactical air-to-air combat mission, produced no significant differences between the effects of the target drugs and placebo on any of the nine objective flying performance measures, including a composite measure of landing performance. There were no differences in evaluator ratings of routine mission flying or air combat performance. Pilots could not distinguish active drug from placebo and there were no differences on any of the mood scales.
Conclusions:
These results confirm our earlier findings that the drugs of interest are well tolerated and produce no cognitive, psychomotor or subjective state changes. In this study, there was no evidence of performance degradation caused by either granisetron or ondansetron when tested in a complex, military task environment.
Insights
Granisetron and ondansetron, anti-emetic drugs, did not impact F-16 simulator flying or mission performance. Pilots experienced no cognitive or subjective changes, confirming these medications are well-tolerated in complex military tasks.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Human Performance
Background:
- Evaluates anti-emetic drugs granisetron and ondansetron.
- Assesses effects on F-16 simulator flying and mission performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine if granisetron or ondansetron impair pilot performance.
- Investigate cognitive, psychomotor, and subjective effects in a simulated combat environment.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with 9 pilots.
- Pilots flew simulated defensive counter air missions in an F-16 simulator.
- Objective performance, evaluator ratings, symptoms, mood, and vigilance were recorded.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in 9 objective flying performance measures between drugs and placebo.
- Evaluator ratings of mission and flying performance showed no differences.
- Pilots could not distinguish active drugs from placebo; no mood changes observed.
Conclusions:
- Granisetron and ondansetron are well-tolerated anti-emetic medications.
- No evidence of performance degradation in a complex military task environment.
- Confirms earlier findings of no cognitive, psychomotor, or subjective state changes.