Sedation, cognition, and antihistamines.
First-generation antihistamines are well-known to cause subjective drowsiness. A myriad of studies has also been published that suggest a clear relationship between the use of these drugs and objective performance impairment. Although not all of the tests used in these studies have been validated, the data are fairly consistent, and suggest a difference between earlier (first-generation) sedating antihistamines and the newer (second-generation) nonsedating antihistamines.
Qidwai
Julie C
JC
National Advanced Driving Simulator and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City 52244, USA.
Watson
Ginger S
GS
Weiler
John M
JM
D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000187:drug effects*
D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists