Which type of drug is used to treat allergic reactions?

Antihistamines are specifically designed to alleviate symptoms associated with allergic reactions. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that is released during an allergic response. When a person encounters an allergen, histamine can lead to symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and hives. By inhibiting histamine's effects, antihistamines effectively reduce these symptoms, making them a primary treatment choice for allergies.

In contrast, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, antivirals target viral infections, and antiparasitics are employed to combat parasitic infections. Each of these other drug types serves a distinct purpose that does not directly address the mechanisms involved in allergic reactions.