Antihistamines Overview

✔ What are they?
Medications that block histamine, a chemical involved in allergic reactions, to reduce symptoms like itching, swelling, and runny nose.

✔ How to recognize them?
Common examples include diphenhydramine, loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, and chlorpheniramine.

✔ How do they work?
Block histamine receptors → Reduce allergy symptoms → Provide relief from itching, sneezing, and swelling.

✔ Easy trick to remember:
"Histamine Halted" (These drugs stop histamine from causing allergy symptoms).

✔ Common uses:

• Allergies (hay fever, pet allergies)

• Hives and skin rashes

• Motion sickness

• Sleep aid (some first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine)

• Cold and flu symptom relief