antihistamine

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antihistamine

antihistamine , any one of a group of compounds having various chemical structures and characterized by the ability to antagonize the effects of histamine . Their principal use in medicine is in the control of allergies such as hay fever and hives. Some antihistamines are also useful as sedatives and for the prevention of motion sickness; others, such as fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin) are nonsedating.

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antihistamine

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Â© A Dictionary of Biology 2004, originally published by Oxford University Press 2004. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

antihistamine Any drug that inhibits the effects of histamine in the body and is therefore used to relieve and prevent the symptoms associated with allergic reactions, such as hay fever. Since one of the side-effects produced by antihistamines is sleepiness, some are used to prevent motion sickness and induce sleep.

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	How to take your medicine: antihistamines. Magazine article from: FDA Consumer; 9/1/1990
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	Nothing to sneeze at. (Antihistamines and Decongestants) Magazine article from: Current Health 2, a Weekly Reader publication; 1/1/1995

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