Question

question 16

a pharmacy technician is filling a prescription for an antihistamine. the technician should recognize that antihistamines are most commonly used to treat which of the following conditions?

allergic rhinitis and urticaria
bacterial infections
fungal infections
hypertension

Explanation:

Identify the drug class and mechanism

Antihistamines are medications that block histamine receptors (primarily H1 receptors) in the body. Histamine is a key chemical mediator released by mast cells during allergic reactions.

Determine the clinical indications

By blocking H1 receptors, antihistamines prevent the physiological effects of histamine, which include vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, and itching. Consequently, they are primarily used to treat allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and urticaria (hives).

Evaluate the given options

• Allergic rhinitis and urticaria: This matches the primary therapeutic indications of antihistamines.
• Bacterial infections: These are treated with antibiotics, not antihistamines.
• Fungal infections: These are treated with antifungals, not antihistamines.
• Hypertension: This is treated with antihypertensive agents (such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or calcium channel blockers), not antihistamines.

Answer:

• (A) Allergic rhinitis and urticaria (Correct answer)
• (B) Bacterial infections
• (C) Fungal infections
• (D) Hypertension