antihistamine
1 of 1noun/ˌæntiˈhɪstəmiːn/
Forms:antihistamines
1
a type of medicine used to treat allergies or neutralize their effects
Antihistamine is a type of medication used to ease allergy symptoms by blocking the action of histamines in the body. Histamines are chemicals released by the immune system during allergic reactions, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. Antihistamines work by stopping histamines from attaching to receptors in the cells, and so reducing or preventing these allergic symptoms. They are commonly used to treat hay fever, hives, pink eye caused by allergies, and sometimes symptoms of the common cold.
- He took an antihistamine to relieve his allergy symptoms.
- Antihistamines can help reduce sneezing and itching caused by allergies.
- The doctor recommended an antihistamine for his seasonal allergies.
- She felt better after taking an antihistamine for her hay fever.
- He was advised to take an antihistamine before traveling to avoid allergic reactions.