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's crucial to stay informed.

Antihistamines are more dangerous

for driving than alcohol

According to researchers at the University of Iowa USA, antihistamines, a drug so easily available in pharmacies for constipation and allergies, can cause further damage 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 placebo. It was found that the reaction of the subjects, controlled from a driving simulator at the University of Iowa, were 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 driving inefficiency based on their drowsiness. The research studied 40 licensed drivers, aged 25 to 44 years, who were allergic to pollen and who had taken antihistamines as treatment.

The researchers tested the participants' ability to follow a car that changed speed often and without any logic. Subjects under the influence of alcohol passed this test well, but they got too close to the car and exhibited poorer steering control.

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

SOURCES: «University of Iowa study: major group of antihistamines have greater impact on drivers than alcohol,» University of Iowa College of Medicine, March 7, 2000. www.quiropractica1.com. www.quiropractica1.com