title: Performance studies with the H1-histamine receptor antagonists, astemizole and terfenadine.
abstract: 1 Effects of the antihistamines, terfenadine (60 mg) and astemizole (10 and 20 mg), on performance (visuo-motor coordination, arithmetical ability and digit symbol substitution) and on mood were studied in six healthy adult females. The study was double-blind, placebo controlled and included an antihistamine with known central effects (triprolidine 10 mg in sustained release form). 2 There were no changes in performance after terfenadine (60 mg) and astemizole (10 and 20 mg). Triprolidine (10 mg) caused a decrement in visuo-motor coordination (P less than 0.01) 0.5 h after ingestion which lasted until 3.5 h (P less than 0.001). The subject assessed their performance as impaired from 1.5-3.5 h (P less than 0.05) with triprolidine (10 mg), and their mood assessments were also altered. 3 Terfenadine (60 mg) and astemizole (10 and 20 mg) are likely to prove useful antihistamines for those involved in skilled activity.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016589:Astemizole; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000187:drug effects*; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000187:drug effects; D010880:Piperidines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016593:Terfenadine; D013997:Time Factors; D014311:Triprolidine / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D010880:Piperidines; D014311:Triprolidine; D016593:Terfenadine; D016589:Astemizole