Effects of terfenadine and diphenhydramine alone or in combination with diazepam or alcohol on psychomotor performance and subjective feelings

Summary The effects of single oral doses of terfenadine, diphenhydramine and placebo, alone or in combination with diazepam or alcohol, on psychomotor performance and subjective feelings were evaluated in a double-blind, crossover study in 20 normal male volunteers. Terfenadine 60, 120 and 240 mg had no effect on psychomotor skills and subjective feelings, whereas diphenhydramine 100 mg slightly impaired certain features of psychomotor performance and severely worsened subjective feelings. Terfenadine 120 mg did not influence the adverse effects of oral diazepam 10 mg or of alcohol 0.75 g/kg on psychomotor performance and subjective feelings. In contrast, diphenhydramine 100 mg significantly enhanced these effects of diazepam and alcohol.