Which drug is primarily used to treat acute allergic reactions?

Antihistamines are the primary drugs used to treat acute allergic reactions because they work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that is released during an allergic response. When the body encounters an allergen, histamine is released, leading to symptoms such as itching, swelling, and redness. Antihistamines effectively alleviate these symptoms by preventing histamine from binding to its receptors, thereby providing relief from acute allergic reactions such as hives, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.

While corticosteroids are also used to manage inflammation and can be effective in more severe allergic reactions, they are not the first line of treatment for acute responses. Antibiotics are intended for bacterial infections and do not address allergic reactions, while mucolytics are used to thin mucus in respiratory conditions, making them ineffective in treating allergies. Thus, antihistamines are the most appropriate choice for managing acute allergic reactions.