Antihistamines, commonly used to treat allergies, can have dangerous side effects while driving. Learn how these medications can influence your ability to drive and why it is crucial to stay informed.

Antihistamines are more dangerous

for driving than alcohol

According to researchers from the University of Iowa USA, antihistamines, a medication so easy to obtain at pharmacies for colds and allergies, can cause greater harm in driving than being under the influence of alcohol.

The researchers studied the reaction of a group of people allergic to pollen who were given diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), alcohol, and a placebo. It was found that the reaction of the subjects, controlled using a driving simulator at the University of Iowa, was less effective after taking diphenhydramine, and even less efficient than after being intoxicated.

Dr. Weiler added that the participants were also unable to perceive their own ineffectiveness when driving based on their state of drowsiness. The research studied 40 licensed drivers, aged between 25 and 44, allergic to pollen and who had taken antihistamines as treatment.

The researchers assessed the participants’ ability to follow a car that was changing speed often and illogically. Subjects under the influence of alcohol performed well on this test, but they got too close to the car and exhibited less control of the steering.

Weiler knew that previous studies had already shown that intoxicated drivers could perform correctly on certain tests, although at the cost of other vital driving tests.

SOURCES: “University of Iowa Study: The main group of antihistamines has a greater impact on drivers than alcohol,” University of Iowa College of Medicine, March 7, 2000. www.quiropractica1.com