Which medication might be prescribed to manage a severe allergic reaction?

The most appropriate medication for managing a severe allergic reaction is antihistamines. These medications work by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that is released during an allergic reaction and contributes to symptoms such as itching, swelling, and hives. In cases of more severe reactions, while antihistamines can help with milder symptoms, they are often used in conjunction with other treatments.

Corticosteroids are sometimes used to reduce inflammation in more severe allergic reactions, but their onset of action is slower compared to antihistamines. They are generally not the first line of treatment for immediate symptom relief during an acute allergic reaction. Antibiotics and analgesics do not play a direct role in managing allergic reactions; antibiotics are used to treat infections, and analgesics are intended for pain relief rather than allergy symptoms.

Understanding the role of antihistamines helps clarify why they are important in acute allergic reactions, as they provide immediate relief of symptoms, whereas corticosteroids may be used for longer-term management of inflammation after the acute phase is resolved.