As has already been extensively commented in the article on antihistamines and the central nervous system, published in this same issue, all the classical antihistamines and, to a lesser extent, the more recent synthetic compounds are able to exert depressive action upon the central nervous system (CNS), causing drowsiness, lassitude, dizziness, in-coordination, and increased reaction time. Moreover, in many cases they also induce peripheral neurological effects secondary to cholinergic block (dilatation of the pupils, blurry vision, or dry mouth), which can affect patient ability to drive. According to information from the traffic authorities, in Spain each year motor vehicle accidents cause 5000 deaths and 130,000 injuries — the majority affecting people under 40 years of age. At least one-third of these accidents are due to human factors related with the driver, including alcohol consumption, risk behaviour and, in some cases, drug substances. In 2004 the Comisión Profesional de Sociedades Sanitarias para la Prevención de Lesiones por Accidentes de Tráfico (COSPLAT) was created, comprising 38 medical societies, including the Sociedad Española de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica (SEAIC). The joint objectives of the SEAIC and COSPLAT include the elaboration of a list of anti-allergic medicines, the use of which should be limited among drivers, and the recommendations of the medical community regarding the prescription of other, safer alternatives. (Author/publisher)
Abstract