Ebastine: the effect of a new antihistamine on psychomotor performance and autonomic responses in healthy subjects

1. Ebastine, through its carboxylic acid metabolite has antihistamine (H1‐receptor) activity in man. 2. We have examined in a single blind placebo controlled study the effects of 10 mg and 50 mg of ebastine on cardiovascular, autonomic and psychomotor function in healthy subjects. 3. Ebastine had no effect on blood pressure or heart rate and there was no evidence of any anticholinergic activity on circulatory reflexes or salivation. 4. Ebastine did not impair psychomotor performance as assessed by critical flicker fusion at either dose. 5. Ebastine 10 mg had no effect on sedation measured by visual analogue scale or direct questioning, however ebastine 50 mg did cause a modest increase in indices of sedation. 6. Ebastine did not have detectable sedative properties at the 10 mg dose where long‐lasting antihistamine effects can be demonstrated.