Citation

Moskowitz H, Wilkinson C. Accid. Reconstr. J. 2006; 16(4): 46-54.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Accident Reconstruction Journal)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The widespread use of antihistamines presents a particular focus for concern for traffic safety risk due to the behavioral toxicity of drugs other than alcohol, since the 1st-generation H1-antagonists are well recognized for causing sedation and central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction and can jeopardize safe driving. Moreover, these drugs also have additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants. Currently, there are more than 60 antihistamines available for oral administration and many of these are freely available without prescription. Their widespread availability, in a myriad of cold, flu, and allergic preparations, underscores the increasing scope of the potential safety risks associated with their use by the driving population. This article focuses on a variety of perspectives related to the impacts of antihistamine use on overall traffic safety, providing a brief summary of the epidemiological data presently available and its limitations.