Accession Number:

ADA248752

Title:

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

Descriptive Note:

Interim technical rept. Jul 1989-Jul 1991

Corporate Author:

KRUG LIFE SCIENCES SAN ANTONIO TX SAN ANTONIO DIV

Personal Author(s):

• Nesthus, Thomas E.
• Schiflett, Samuel G.
• Eddy, Douglas R.
• Whitmore, Jeffrey N.

Report Date:

1991-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

47.0

Abstract:

Airborne Warning and Control System AWACS Weapons Director WD cognitive and psychomotor 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 mg12h TID, Benadryl 25 mg4h 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 andor 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.

Descriptors:

• *ANTIHISTAMINICS
• *FLIGHT CREWS
• *PSYCHOMOTOR TESTS
• FATIGUE
• COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
• SUPERVISION
• FLIGHT SURGEONS
• SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• PILOTS
• SKILLS
• PLACEBOS

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research
• Pharmacology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE