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Sedating antihistamines and driving — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModeratePatient Counselling and Pharmaceutical CareSedating antihistamines and drivingGPhC CRA

A 22-year-old man with hay fever asks for chlorphenamine tablets. He drives delivery vans for work and has had near-misses when drowsy from medicines. He wants something he can take during work hours. What is the most appropriate alternative?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Cetirizine 10mg once daily

For a patient who drives for work, a less sedating antihistamine is preferred. Cetirizine can still cause drowsiness in some people, but it is less sedating than first-generation options such as chlorphenamine or promethazine. The pharmacist should advise testing individual response before driving if affected.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS