ACUTE AND SUBCHRONIC EFFECTS OF THE H-1-HISTAMINE RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTEBASTINE IN 10, 20 AND 30 MG DOSE, AND TRIPROLIDINE 10 MG ON CAR DRIVING PERFORMANCE

1 The effects of a new antihistamine, ebastine (10, 20 and 30 mg), on several parameters of driving performance in actual traffic were studi ed in 15 healthy male volunteers. Subjects were treated for 5 days, an d their driving performance tested on day 1 and day 5. The study was d ouble-blind, placebo controlled and included the antihistamine triprol idine (10 mg sustained release) as an active drug control. 2 General t olerability was good except in one case following the reference compou nd triprolidine. No significant changes in driving performance were fo und with the new antihistamine ebastine at any dosage, on day 1 or day 5. Triprolidine (10 mg) significantly increased both the amount of we aving and the delay in following speed manoeuvres of a leading car, co mpared with placebo. 3 The results suggest that ebastine in doses up t o 30 mg may be relatively safe for use by those who drive motor vehicl es while under medication. The results do not warrant such a conclusio n for triprolidine 10 mg.