The effects of terfenadine with and without alcohol on an aspect of car driving performance

Abstract

Twelve healthy female volunteers received acute doses of terfenadine, 60 mg, 120 mg, 240 mg or placebo, followed by a 'social' dose of alcohol equivalent to 0.5 g absolute alcohol/kg body weight. Performance was assessed on laboratory analogues of car driving both before and after alcohol administration. Terfenadine (240 mg) was found to significantly impair performance alone and following alcohol. The results demonstrate the importance of establishing the behavioural effects of drugs over a range of doses.