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Pharmacy & Pharmacology vocabulary · Drug Classes

Antihistamine

Meaning in pharmacy & pharmacology, with examples

/ˌæntiˈhɪstəmin/nounCore term

In pharmacy & pharmacology, antihistamine means: A medicine that blocks the effects of histamine, used mainly to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and hives.

In Turkish: antihistaminik, alerji ilacı

How it is used

Divided into older, sedating antihistamines such as chlorphenamine and newer, less sedating ones such as cetirizine and loratadine. Many are sold over the counter for hay fever. Pharmacists warn about drowsiness, especially with driving and alcohol.

Example sentences

  1. Since you drive for work, a non-drowsy antihistamine would suit you better.

  2. Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine.

Common collocations

  • non-drowsy antihistamine
  • sedating antihistamine
  • take an antihistamine
  • oral antihistamine
  • allergic reactionA response of the immune system to a medicine or other substance that it wrongly treats as harmful, causing signs such as a rash, itching, swelling or difficulty breathing.
  • over-the-counterDescribes a medicine that can be bought without a prescription, in a pharmacy or, for some products, in ordinary shops and supermarkets.
  • receptorA protein on or inside a cell that a drug or a natural substance such as a hormone binds to, starting a change in how the cell works.
  • side effectAn effect of a medicine that is not the main reason for taking it; most side effects are unwanted, such as nausea, drowsiness or a headache.

More terms: Drug Classes

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.