antihistamine

noun

an·​ti·​his·​ta·​mine ˌan-tē-ˈhi-stə-ˌmēn How to pronounce antihistamine (audio)
-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 adjective or noun

Examples of antihistamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To ease the discomfort of the rash, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend taking an oral antihistamine (such as Benadryl) or applying topical treatments such as benzocaine, lidocaine, or calamine lotion. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 In general, non-drowsy antihistamines are the best choice for most people. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 29 Feb. 2024 Please follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Pollen levels notably high — a deeper dive CWG’s Ian Livingston mentioned in his morning forecast today that pollen levels in the area are high and antihistamines might be warranted. A. Camden Walker, Washington Post, 24 Feb. 2024 Pet owners can also consider taking over-the-counter antihistamines or trying allergy shots or immunotherapy to decrease the effect of allergy symptoms. Alyssa Hui, Health, 3 Feb. 2024 She was administered with antihistamines and vitamins but died shortly after on Tuesday afternoon. Emma Ogao, ABC News, 1 Dec. 2023 For instance, medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and antipsychotics, can affect pupil size and how much light enters the eye. Matthew Solan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2024 Alternatively drowsy antihistamines like Benadryl, which are available over- the- counter in most countries, can help induce sleepiness for a single night as well. Anna Gordon, TIME, 21 Dec. 2023 For those who need treatment, antihistamine medication is often prescribed. Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 3 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antihistamine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antihistamine was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near antihistamine

Cite this Entry

“Antihistamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antihistamine. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

antihistamine

noun
an·​ti·​his·​ta·​mine ˌant-i-ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn How to pronounce antihistamine (audio)
-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 How to pronounce antihistamine (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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