Influences of dimethindene maleate in a new formulation on oculo and psychomotor performance using the oculodynamic test (ODT) in volunteers.

Most antihistamines are assumed to possess a more or less pronounced sedative potential in addition to their antihistaminic properties. Therefore, a single-blind three-way crossover study was designed to assess the influence of single-dose dimethindene maleate (new "once a day formulation") on vigilance and performance vs. loratadine as reference and vs. placebo. Drug effects on performance were tested in 18 healthy volunteers by the oculodynamic test [ODT, i.e. choice reaction task (CRT), combined with recording of electrooculography (EOG) and cardiovascular parameters] and effects on subjective well-being by visual analogue scales (VAS). Main target parameters for evaluation of CNS-effects are latency and subjective perception of sedation (VAS). Neither statistically significant nor clinically relevant differences in all objective and subjective target variables (ODT and VAS) between active drugs and placebo, after single-dose administration were found. The same holds for accessory EOG, CRT and vital parameters under workload.