Definition of Histamine

1. Bad Bugs and Their Bites Slideshow
2. Heartburn: Foods to Eat and Avoid Slideshow
3. Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Slideshow

Histamine: A substance that plays a major role in many allergic reactions, dilating blood vessels and making the vessel walls abnormally permeable. Histamine is part of the body's natural allergic response to substances such as pollens. Antihistamines work by preventing the release of histamine from certain cells (mast cells) thereby blocking the allergic reaction.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.