Abstract

ROJAS-VARGAS, Laura Daniela et al. Influence of first-generation antihistamines on aviation pilots performance. LogosCyT [online]. 2019, vol.11, n.3, pp.59-66.  Epub Dec 28, 2019. ISSN 2145-594X.  https://doi.org/10.22335/rlct.v11i3.939.

According to different studies carried out by the United States Federal Aviation Administration, possible causal links have been found between fatal accidents and the consumption of first-generation antihistamines. The fundamental aim of this project is to analyze through a study with pilots, how the consumption of over-the-counter flu medicine affect their flight performance. We collected the data using a static flight simulator. Eight pilots with more than 150 hours of flight experience completed specific tests exposed to a consumption of first-generation antihistamines or a placebo. A two-factor ANOVA test confirmed that the consumption of first-generation antihistamine does influence pilot performance (p<0.05). Through observation, we found that pilots decreased their capacity to remember basics activities and their ability to react in an emergency in flight.

Keywords : antihistamine; performance; pilots; flight simulator.

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