Which term is used for medications that treat allergies?

• A. Anti-Diabetic
• B. Antihypertensive
• C. Anti-Gout
• D. Antihistamine

Answer: (D)

Allergies produce symptoms mainly through histamine release, which triggers itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes by acting on histamine receptors in the nose and eyes. Medications that block these histamine receptors are called antihistamines. By blocking the H1 receptors, antihistamines prevent histamine from exerting its effects, reducing allergy symptoms and providing relief from conditions like allergic rhinitis, hay fever, hives, and conjunctivitis.

The other terms refer to different therapeutic targets: anti-diabetic drugs manage blood glucose, antihypertensives lower blood pressure, and anti-gout medications treat gout and uric acid issues. Antihistamines are specifically for counteracting histamine’s actions in allergic reactions. Examples include cetirizine and loratadine (second-generation, often less sedating) and diphenhydramine (first-generation, more sedating).