Antihistamines

Antihistamines (pronunciation: an-ti-his-ta-mines) are a class of drugs commonly used to treat symptoms of allergies. The term "antihistamine" derives from anti- (against) and histamine, a type of biogenic amine involved in local immune responses and regulating physiological function in the gut.

Definition

Antihistamines are drugs that inhibit the action of histamine in the body by blocking the receptors of histamine. Histamine is a substance released by the body's immune system during an allergic reaction.

Types of Antihistamines

There are two main types of antihistamines: H1 antagonists and H2 antagonists. H1 antagonists are primarily used to treat allergies and symptoms related to the common cold, while H2 antagonists are commonly used to treat conditions related to the excess production of stomach acid, such as peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Uses

Antihistamines are primarily used to treat symptoms of allergies, including hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis, and reactions to insect bites or stings. They can also be used to treat symptoms of the common cold, such as a runny nose and sneezing.

Side Effects

Common side effects of antihistamines can include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and restlessness. Rarely, antihistamines can cause serious side effects such as confusion, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, and difficulty urinating.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Antihistamines
Wikipedia's article - Antihistamines

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