antihistamine

American  

[an-ti-his-tuh-meen, -min] / ˌæn tɪˈhɪs təˌmin, -mɪn /

noun

Physiology, Pharmacology.

1. any of certain compounds or medicines that neutralize or inhibit the effect of histamine in the body, used chiefly in the treatment of allergic disorders and colds.

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antihistamine British  

/ -mɪn, ˌæntɪˈhɪstəˌmiːn /

noun

1. any drug that neutralizes the effects of histamine, used esp in the treatment of allergies

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antihistamine Scientific  

/ ăn′tē-hĭs′tə-mēn′ /

1. Any of various drugs that relieve cold or allergy symptoms by blocking the action of histamine.

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Etymology

Origin of antihistamine

First recorded in 1930–35; anti- + histamine

Example Sentences

The practitioner claimed it was an allergic reaction and told the customer to take antihistamines.

From BBC

And while sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine might help you sleep at night, they don't treat the cough itself.

From BBC

Wright gives the example of a "hyper-niche" program about pollen counts in a specific city, heard by a few dozen people that can attract antihistamine advertisers.

From Barron's

Marketed as quick relief for sore throats and stubborn coughs, these sweet syrups mix sugar, colour and flavouring with a cocktail of antihistamines, decongestants, expectorants.

From BBC

One night, a nurse gave him the painkiller Norco, the antipsychotic Haldol, the sedative Ativan and the antihistamine Benadryl, according to the report from the Department of Public Health.

From Los Angeles Times