The H1-antagonist mequitazine: studies on performance and visual function.

The effects of single oral doses of mequitazine (5 and 10 mg), terfenadine (60 mg) and triprolidine (10 mg) as active controls, and placebo were evaluated on visuo-motor coordination, digit symbol substitution, critical flicker fusion and dynamic visual acuity, and on subjective assessments of mood and well-being in six normal female volunteers. The study was double-blind. Mequitazine (5 mg) impaired visuo-motor coordination 7.5 h after ingestion (considered to be a chance result), but there was no effect on digit symbol substitution, critical flicker fusion threshold or dynamic visual acuity. Mequitazine (10 mg) impaired visuo-motor coordination and reduced the number of substitutions on the digit symbol substitution test. Terfenadine (60 mg) had no effect on performance or on subjective feelings. Triprolidine (10 mg) impaired visuo-motor coordination, reduced the number of substitutions on the digit symbol test, lowered the critical flicker fusion threshold and reduced dynamic visual acuity. Mequitazine (5 mg) and terfenadine (60 mg) are likely to prove acceptable H1 antagonists when sedation must be avoided.