Comparative Effects of Antihistamines on Aircrew Performance of Simple andComplex Tasks Under Sustained Operations

摘要

Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Weapons Director (WD) cognitive andpsychomotor skills were evaluated with terfenadine (Seldane) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) using a performance assessment battery (PAB). After nondrug Day 1 training, twelve 3 member teams were tested with Placebo on Day 2, then randomly assigned to Seldane (60 mg/12h TID), Benadryl (25 mg/4h QID), or Placebo groups on Days 3 and 4. An 8-test PAB was given at 1230 and 1330 each testing day. The Seldane and Placebo groups did not differ appreciably from each other on Days 3 or 4, but differed significantly from the Benadryl group. The group showed degraded performance for 7 variables on Day 3 and for 3 variables on Day 4 compared to the Seldane and/or Placebo groups. Subjective measures of fatigue and antihistamine symptoms supported the Day 3 Benadryl impairment. Overall results were consistent with previous research demonstrating cognitive and psychomotor task impairment with Benadryl but not with Seldane. Support for awarding medical flying waivers to non-pilot aircrew who are taking Seldane under the supervision of flight surgeons is offered.