Effects of WAL 801 CL (Epinastine hydrochloride) on Actual Driving Performance

Abstract

The Effects of the new non-sedating Hi-receptor antagonist, WAL 801 CL (Epinastine hydrochloride), was investigated in 12 healthy male volunteers by a randomized double- cross-over design in comparison with d-chlorpheniramine and placebo on driving performance using on-the-road study of the most suitable method. The extent of sleepiness on driving was evaluated from continuously recorded electroencephalogram (EEG), eye movement and steering performance and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS). As the results, the achieved duration of continuous driving, the alpha activity ratio in EEG, the frequency of slow blinking and the SSS were not significantly different between the WAL 801 CL group and the placebo group. In the d-chlorpheniramine group, on the other hand, 6 out of 12 subjects could not complete 120 min continuous driving, and the other parameters all showed significantly higher values than those of the WAL 801 CL group and the placebo group, indicating the central nervous system depressant action of d-chlorpheniramine during driving. This study suggests that WAL 801 CL is a new non-sedating Hi-receptor antagonist without any influence on the overall driving ability. © 1992, The Japanese Society of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. All rights reserved.