Sedation and Performance Issues in the Treatment of Allergic Conditions

摘要: This article evaluates and summarizes the results of studies investigating central nervous system effects second-generation antihistamines, with particular emphasis on psychomotor cognitive effects. The data sources were computer-assisted MEDLINE searches using search terms histamine H1 antagonists, performance, sleep, specific drug names, including astemizole, cetirizine, loratadine, terfenadine; limited to in humans. Only controlled (placebo or active control both) standardized quantitative methods for defining drug-induced sedation, cognition reviewed. Additional published identified within references first group studies. Finally, representative selected summarization. Objective subjective measures sedation show that loratadine terfenadine produce at a rate comparable placebo. Moreover, these agents, when used standard therapeutic doses, do not detrimental objective function. Cetirizine is associated impairment some but others. astemizole are evaluated. absence patients receiving justifies cost particularly who drive, pilot aircraft, operate machinery. Whether potential rare serious cardiovascular events (associated terfenadine) justifiable must be decided case-by-case basis.