antihistamines

Definition of antihistamine

antihistamine

(AN-tee-HIS-tuh-meen)
A type of drug that blocks the action of histamines, which can cause fever, itching, sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. Antihistamines are used to prevent fevers in patients receiving blood transfusions and to treat allergies, coughs, and colds.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms