Definition: Antihistamines are medications used to reduce allergic reactions. They work by blocking the signals sent by the immune system to send allergens back to the body, thus relieving symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. The exact mechanism of action varies among different antihistamines, but they typically include a chemical compound called an antagonist that binds to certain receptors in the immune system's immune cells and prevents them from interacting with allergens.