antihistamínics

Antihistamínicos are a class of drugs that block the action of histamine. Histamine is a chemical produced by the body's immune system that plays a role in allergic reactions. When a person encounters an allergen, such as pollen or dust mites, their body releases histamine. This release causes symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and hives. Antihistamínicos work by preventing histamine from binding to its receptors in the body, thereby reducing or eliminating these allergic symptoms.

There are two main types of antihistamínicos: H1 blockers and H2 blockers. H1 blockers are primarily used to treat allergy symptoms such as hay fever, hives, and insect bites. They are available in various forms, including oral tablets, capsules, syrups, and topical creams or ointments. Common side effects of H1 blockers can include drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness, although newer generations of these drugs are often less sedating.

H2 blockers, on the other hand, are mainly used to reduce stomach acid production and are therefore used to treat conditions like heartburn, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While they also block histamine, they target different receptors (H2 receptors) than those involved in typical allergic responses. Both types of antihistamínicos should be used as directed by a healthcare professional, and potential interactions with other medications should be considered.