THE EFFECTS OF CETIRIZINE ON PSYCHOMOTOR PERFORMANCE IN HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS

Abstract

In this study, the effects of cetirizine, a second generation H-1-receptor antagonist, on psychomotor functions were assessed by using subjective and objective psychometric tests and the results were compared to those obtained with placebo and the positive control pheniramine. 10 healthy volunteers orally received placebo, cetirizine (10 mg) and pheniramine (25 mg) in single doses according to a double blind, Latin square design. Subjective effects and performance were evaluated by means of visual analog scales, digit symbol substitution test, number connection test, letter cancellation test, Stroop test and pursuit rotor test. According to the results, the subjects felt themselves more lethargic and muzzy after placebo and pheniramine whereas cetirizine caused excitement. Objective tests revealed that compared to baseline cetirizine significantly impaired performance in Stroop test-2 and the pursuit rotor test, whereas pheniramine led to decrements in all objective tests. When the impairments in psychomotor performance observed after cetirizine were compared to placebo no distinction could be made between cetirizine and placebo. In summary, we concluded that cetirizine, a second generation antihistaminic agent, has no demonstrable effect on psychomotor performance at recommended therapeutic dose in young subjects.