EFFECT OF THE ANTIHISTAMINES, BROMPHENIRAMINE MALEATE AND TRIPROLIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE, ON PERFORMANCE IN MAN

1 Effects of brompheniramine maleate (4 and 12 mg) and triprolidine hydrochloride (2.5 and 10 mg) on visuo‐motor coordination, and on subjective assessments of performance, well‐being and sleep were each studied in six subjects at 0.5, 1.5, 3.0, 5.0 and 7.0 h after ingestion. The doses refer to immediate and sustained release preparations respectively. 2. Triprolidine hydrochloride (2.5 mg) had an immediate effect on performance which persisted to 3.0 h, and the sustained release preparation (10 mg) impaired performance from 1.5 to 5.0 h. Brompheniramine maleate (4 mg) impaired performance from 1.5 to 3.0 h, and the sustained release preparation (12 mg) impaired performance at 1.5 h. There were no consistent changes in the subjective assessments of performance, or of well‐being and sleep. 3. The studies emphasize the variable effects of antihistamines on performance, and suggest that effects on performance of sustained release preparations may be similar to those of the usual form. Sustained release preparations may provide an advantage in clinical practice if the antihistaminic activity is prolonged. 1979 The British Pharmacological Society