The Use of Antihistamines in Safety-critical Jobs: A Meeting Report

Summary

The use of sedating agents by aircrew and those with safety-critical occupations has raised serious concern and has been extensively debated for several years. This meeting report summarizes the findings of an international panel of experts in aerospace medicine and L allergic rhinitis who were brought together to discuss issues related to the use of antihistamines, in particular the selective, H1-receptor antagonist fexofenadine, in pilots. The presentations covered a wide range of topics including methods for accurately assessing sedation and impairment, and the validity of laboratory testing versus simulator assessments. The panel also examined data on sedation and impairment levels with currently available antihistamines and assessed the impact of these data on their use by pilots and aircrew. It was the consensus of the meeting that fexofenadine can be safely recommended for use in individuals involved in skilled activities, such as pilots, without the concern of sedation above recommended therapeutic doses.

Key Words::

• Aircrew
• Antihistamines
• Fexofenadine
• Histamine H1-receptor antagonists
• Impairment
• Pilots
• Safety-critical jobs
• Sedation

Notes

* Presented on Monday 7th May, 2001, at the Reno Hilton, Reno, Nevada, USA.