antihistamine

noun

an·​ti·​his·​ta·​mine ˌan-tē-ˈhi-stə-ˌmēn 

-mən,

ˌan-tī-

: any of various compounds that counteract histamine in the body and that are used for treating allergic reactions (such as hay fever) and cold symptoms

antihistamine adjective

antihistaminic

ˌan-tē-ˌhi-stə-ˈmi-nik 

ˌan-tī-

adjective or noun

Examples of antihistamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dry, itchy skin can sometimes be associated with overactive histamines, and suggests taking a daily antihistamine until the condition has resolved. —Kelsey Eisen, Allure, 28 Oct. 2024

Consider nasal sprays or other medications: Steroid sprays can reduce inflammation in your nose, and antihistamines help stop sneezing, sniffling, and itching. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 Oct. 2024

Elvis was a longtime opiate user, having also abused sleeping pills, antihistamines, barbiturates and, lastly, laxatives to treat intense constipation caused by his prescription-grade painkillers. —Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2024

According to the outlet, citing the New York Chief Medical Examiner's Office, Salazar's death was the result of combined effects from cocaine, cyclobenzaprine and diphenhydramine, a type of antihistamine. —Tommy McArdle, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

antihistamine

noun

an·​ti·​his·​ta·​mine ˌant-i-ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn 

-mən,

ˌan-ˌtī-

: any of various drugs used for treating allergic reactions and cold symptoms

Medical Definition

antihistamine

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​his·​ta·​mine ˌant-i-ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn, ˌan-ˌtī-, -mən 

: tending to block or counteract the physiological action of histamine

human blood lacks antihistamine activity

antihistamine

2 of 2 noun

: any of various compounds that oppose the actions of histamine and are used especially for treating allergic reactions (as hay fever), cold symptoms, and motion sickness