antihistamine

noun

an·​ti·​his·​ta·​mine ˌan-tē-ˈhi-stə-ˌmēn 

-mən,

ˌan-tī-

: any of various compounds that counteract histamine in the body and that are used for treating allergic reactions (such as hay fever) and cold symptoms

antihistamine adjective

antihistaminic

ˌan-tē-ˌhi-stə-ˈmi-nik 

ˌan-tī-

adjective or noun

Examples of antihistamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, there are alternatives to oral medications that can help alleviate allergy symptoms, Yu said, including saline nasal sprays or rinses and antihistamine or saline eye drops. —Hannah Seo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2024

One study even found that phototherapy can be beneficial when paired with antihistamines in chronic hive cases. —Karen Pallarito, Health, 24 Mar. 2024

Some treatment options include medications like antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays. —Alexis Berger, SELF, 22 Mar. 2024

Last week, Oklahoma’s medical examiner released a single-page summary of Benedict’s autopsy report, which listed the cause of death as suicide due to a lethal combination of an antidepressant and antihistamine. —Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024

For itchy, watery eyes, antihistamine eye drops — often in conjunction with a nasal spray — tend to work best, Mafi said. —Nina Agrawal, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2024

Common treatments include antihistamine pills that block histamine, a chemical the immune system releases that can cause a variety of symptoms like itching, and nasal corticosteroids, which are sprays that can help with stuffiness. —Katia Hetter, CNN, 27 Mar. 2024

Oral antihistamines, for example, can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2024

Just like their allergy medicine, their topical antihistamine works quickly and effectively to stop itching. —Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 5 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

antihistamine

noun

an·​ti·​his·​ta·​mine ˌant-i-ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn 

-mən,

ˌan-ˌtī-

: any of various drugs used for treating allergic reactions and cold symptoms

Medical Definition

antihistamine

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​his·​ta·​mine ˌant-i-ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn, ˌan-ˌtī-, -mən 

: tending to block or counteract the physiological action of histamine

human blood lacks antihistamine activity

antihistamine

2 of 2 noun

: any of various compounds that oppose the actions of histamine and are used especially for treating allergic reactions (as hay fever), cold symptoms, and motion sickness