Allergy advice for drivers that is not to be sneezed at | Advice - Car News May 2016

09:16 Wednesday 25 May 2016

With hay fever season nearly upon us a road safety group has called upon sufferers to check their medication carefully before getting behind the wheel.

GEM Motoring Assist have issued a warning that some common hay fever remedies could contain ingredients which impair driving.

David Williams MBE, chief executive of the road safety and roadside assistance organisation said: “Some medicines, including those used to treat hay fever, can have an effect on your ability to drive safely. They could make you tired, dizzy or groggy, and they can compromise your vision and reaction time. That’s why it’s so important to check with your GP or pharmacist, and to read any warnings contained on the labels of the medicines you plan to take. The same road traffic laws apply to therapeutic drugs as to illicit substances, so if your driving is impaired and you cause a collision, you risk prosecution and the loss of your licence. The newer types of antihistamine tablets should not cause drowsiness, though if you do find yourself become drowsy after using antihistamines, you must avoid driving.”

The advice issued by GEM is to ask your doctor or pharmacist if a medicine could affect your ability to drive. Be particularly careful if you are using a medicine for the first time. If you do experience potentially dangerous side effects from a medicine, don’t drive. Organise a taxi or a lift from a friend if you need to travel. If you find a particular medicine is making you sleepy, consider asking if there is a non-sedating alternative available. It’s not just prescription medicines that can cause drowsiness and other potentially dangerous side-effects, so check with your pharmacist if you plan to use an over-the-counter drug. If you’re unsure about the warning given on the medicine you’re using, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any risks before you drive anywhere. Be aware that drinking alcohol while taking medicines can intensify drowsy side-effects. Even small amounts of alcohol mixed with medicines can make it dangerous to drive.