Antihistamines are a class of drugs that are commonly used to treat allergic reactions. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical that is released by the body in response to an allergen. Antihistamines are available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms and are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including allergies, hay fever, hives, and itching.
Definitions
An antihistamine is a drug that blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines are used to treat a variety of conditions, including allergies, hay fever, and hives.
Origin
The term “antihistamine” was first used in the early 1940s to describe drugs that were found to block the effects of histamine. The first antihistamines were developed in the 1930s and were used primarily to treat allergies and hives.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an antihistamine is “a drug that combats the physiological effects of histamine production in the body and is used especially to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines an antihistamine as “a drug that counteracts the effects of histamine, used chiefly in the treatment of allergies and colds.”
Associations
Antihistamines are often associated with the treatment of allergies, hay fever, and hives. They are also used to treat itching and other symptoms associated with allergic reactions.
Synonyms
Synonyms for antihistamine include allergy medication, antiallergy medication, and histamine blocker.
Antonyms
Antonyms for antihistamine include histamine, allergen, and irritant.
The same root words
The root words of antihistamine are “anti-“, meaning against, and “histamine”, which is a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction.
Example Sentences
- I took an antihistamine to relieve my allergy symptoms.
- The doctor prescribed an antihistamine for my son’s hives.
- I always keep antihistamines on hand in case of an allergic reaction.
- The antihistamine helped to reduce the itching and swelling caused by the mosquito bite.
- It’s important to read the label carefully before taking an antihistamine to ensure that it is safe and effective for your particular symptoms.