Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

What type of drug is utilized for treating acute allergic reactions?

1. Analgesics

2. Antitussives

3. Antihistamines

4. Corticosteroids

The correct answer is: Antihistamines

The correct choice is antihistamines, as these drugs are specifically designed to counteract the effects of histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction. When an allergen enters the body, the immune system responds by releasing histamines, leading to symptoms such as itching, swelling, and redness. Antihistamines block the action of histamine at its receptor sites, thereby alleviating these symptoms and providing quick relief in acute allergic reactions. This makes them the first line of treatment for various allergic conditions, including hives, hay fever, and anaphylactic reactions, when appropriate. While analgesics are used primarily for pain relief and corticosteroids can reduce inflammation, they do not directly address the immediate symptoms caused by histamines. Antitussives serve the purpose of suppressing coughs and are not relevant in the context of treating allergic reactions. Thus, antihistamines are the most effective choice for this scenario.