Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to assess the effect of a second generation antihistaminic (H-1 blocker) namely Cetirizine on the visual processing speed for low and high intensity stimuli in healthy human volunteers at one and three hour after Cetirizine consumption.

Methods: It was a single dose, prospective interventional study held in BJGMC, Pune. 50 healthy human volunteers were enrolled and baseline readings for all volunteers were noted. After recording baseline 10 mg single, oral dose of Cetirizine was administered .The visual processing speed was tested on Flicker –fusion apparatus (visual acuity in flickering frequency per second).Baseline was compared with one hour and three hour respectively.

Results:The visual processing speed did not show any significant changes when readings at one hour and  three hours, each were compared to baseline readings (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Single dose 10 oral Cetirizine does not significantly alter the visual processing speed for low or high intensity stimuli at one or three hour after administration.

Keywords: visual processing speed, Cetirizine, Critical Flicker Fusion Apparatus.

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