Antihistaminic – Definition & Meaning

Antihistaminic is a term that is commonly used in the medical field. It is used to describe a class of drugs that are used to treat allergic reactions. Antihistaminic drugs work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical that is released by the body during an allergic reaction. This article will provide a detailed definition and meaning of antihistaminic.

Definitions

Antihistaminic is defined as a drug that blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical that is released by the body during an allergic reaction. These drugs are used to treat a variety of allergic reactions, including hay fever, hives, and allergic rhinitis.

Origin

The term antihistaminic is derived from the words “anti” meaning against and “histamine” which is a chemical that is released by the body during an allergic reaction. The first antihistaminic drug was discovered in the 1930s and was used to treat allergies.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to Merriam-Webster, antihistaminic is defined as “a drug that opposes the action of histamine and is used especially to treat allergic reactions.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a substance that inhibits the physiological effects of histamine, used especially in the treatment of allergies.”

Associations

Antihistaminic drugs are commonly associated with the treatment of allergies. They are also used to treat other conditions such as motion sickness, insomnia, and anxiety.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of antihistaminic include antiallergic, antihistamine, and histamine blocker.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for antihistaminic. However, some drugs that have opposite effects on the body include sympathomimetic drugs, which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

The same root words

The same root words as antihistaminic include antihistamine, histamine, and anti.

Example Sentences

1. I took an antihistaminic drug to relieve my allergy symptoms.
2. The doctor prescribed an antihistaminic for my daughter’s hives.
3. Antihistaminic drugs can cause drowsiness as a side effect.
4. If you experience an allergic reaction, you should take an antihistaminic immediately.
5. The antihistaminic medication helped to reduce the swelling in my nose.