Antihistamines and Sentry Duty: Effects of Terfenadine and Diphenhydramine on Target Detection and Rifle Markmanship
Abstract
It is claimed that terfenadine does not have the central nervous system side effects (namely, sedation and disturbed coordination) that are associated with other antihistamines such as diphenhydramine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the separate effects of standard dosages of antihistamines (terfenadine (60mg) and diphenhydramine (50mg) on the speed of detection of visually presented targets and rifle marksmanship. Using a double- blind Latin square design, 12 trained subjects were exposed to four separate test conditions over four separate test days: a) control, b)placebo, c) 60 mg terfenadine, and d) 50mg diphenhydramine. Each test session was three hours in duration, during which time the subject monitored the target scene of the Weaponeer M16A1 Rifle Marksmanship Simulator. When a target appeared, the subject pressed a key, lifted the rifle, aimed, and fired at the target. Speed of target detection was measured in terms of the time required by the subject to press the key. Marksmanship was measured in terms of number of hits. Keywords: Sentry duty; Vigilance; Weaponeer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA209754
Entities
People
- Donna J. Mcmenemy
- Richard F. Johnson
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine