CNS side effect of fexofenadine, A new antihistamine.

ABSTRACT

Fexofenadine, derivative of Terfenadine has been proved to be not distributed to the CNS, having high selectivity for peripheral histamine H1-receptors. Fexofenadine is an effective antihistamine for the treatment of many allergic diseases. The authors have studied the CNS depressant effects of Fexofenadine in 20 nomal Thai volunteers; 10 males, 10 females, age ranged 25 to 52 years, using the double blind cross-over placebo controlled design comparing with chlorpheniramine. The test methods were both subjective and objective i.e. visual analogue scale, alertness rating scale, card sorting test, glassbead picking test, recording of the reaction time test for light stimulation. There is no CNS side effect caused by Fexofenadine as well as placebo. Chlorpheniramine caused significant CNS side effects.