Synthetic drug that counteracts the effects of released histamine in the body. Antihistamines compete with histamine at one of the three types of histamine receptors, preventing allergic attacks (&see; allergy) or inflammation.
Some antihistamines also prevent motion sickness and vertigo. Drowsiness is a frequent side effect. H2 antihistamines, which bind to the second receptor type, are used to control gastric-acid secretion (&see; stomach) and treat peptic ulcers.
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