An Overview Of Antihistamines (H1 Blockers)

Antihistamines (H1 Blockers)NameAcademic InstitutionCourse Number and NameInstructorDue DateAntihistamines (H1 Blockers)Antihistamines (H1 Blockers) are a class of drugs that are commonly used to treat allergic reactions, nausea, and/or vertigo. These drugs are often available without a prescription. Examples of over-the-counter H1 blockers include Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Dramamine (Mayo Clinic, 2021). The pharmacokinetics of H1 blockers usually begins with oral ingestion, traveling through the digestive tract before becoming metabolized by the liver. It is then excreted through the urine (Mayo Clinic, 2021). The pharmacodynamics of histamine blockers involves blocking histamine from binding to histamine receptors, which are found throughout the body. When the immune system detects an allergen, it will produce white blood cells to fight the perceived threat. These cells release histamine, which in turn bind to histamine receptors. Once activated, the histamine receptors signal the inflammation response associated with allergic reactions. By blocking histamine from connecting to the receptors, the inflammation response is avoided (Farzam et al., 2021). Labs that should be monitored when a patient is using H1 blockers include tests evaluating white blood