This site is intended for Healthcare Professionals only

Driving under the influenza

Latest bookmark icon off

Driving under the influenza

More than one in seven drivers have experienced side effects from cold or flu medicines that have affected their performance behind the wheel, reveals new research from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and Confused.com. The most common adverse effects were lethargy and drowsiness, while some drivers also reported slower reaction times, poor concentration and blurred vision.

The study also revealed that a third of people never read the patient information leaflet before taking medicines, while nearly one in six have exceeded the recommended dose, which could also impair driving ability.

RPS vice-chair Ash Soni said: “It’s easy to underestimate the effect of everyday medicines on your driving. They can have powerful effects on your reaction times and ability to focus. For example, some remedies contain ingredients that can make you drowsy and this, combined with feeling unwell, could make you unfit to drive.”

Copy Link copy link button

Latest

Share: