antihistamine

[ an-ti-his-tuh-meen, -min ]

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.

antihistamine

/ -mɪn; ˌæntɪˈhɪstəˌmiːn /

noun

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

antihistamine

/ ăn′tē-hĭs′tə-mēn′ /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of antihistamine¹

First recorded in 1930–35; anti- + histamine

Example Sentences

She prescribed an antihistamine to treat the latter and advised Cutter to see an ear, nose and throat specialist.

From Washington Post

For example, they don’t know not to mix large amounts of alcohol or large amounts of antihistamines.

From Nautilus

“He gave me a blue pill, which he said was an antihistamine,” said Chelan.

From The Daily Beast

And, Zyrtec, an antihistamine, was the highest grossing nonfood of 2008, coming in at $316 million in sales.

From The Daily Beast

Elvis also had the painkillers morphine and Demerol; tranquilizers Placidyl and Valium; and Chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine.

From The Daily Beast