Certified Medication Aide Practice

What do antihistamines primarily target in the body to reduce symptoms?

1. Reduce fluid pressure in the eye

2. Block histamine action to decrease allergy symptoms

3. Suppress appetite

4. Relax skeletal muscles

The correct answer is: Block histamine action to decrease allergy symptoms

Antihistamines are medications designed to block the action of histamines in the body. Histamines are chemicals released by the immune system in response to an allergen, causing allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. By targeting and blocking the histamines, antihistamines help to decrease and alleviate these allergy symptoms. Option A is incorrect because while antihistamines may also have a mild effect on reducing fluid pressure in the eye, it is not their primary target. Option C is incorrect because antihistamines do not have any impact on appetite suppression. Option D is incorrect because antihistamines do not have any effect on skeletal muscles and are not used for muscle relaxation.