medicines
Antihistamine
抗ヒスタミン剤 (Kō-hisutamin-zai)
A drug that blocks histamine receptors to relieve allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives. In Japan, both first-generation (drowsy) and second-generation (non-drowsy) antihistamines are available. Many popular brands like Allegra (fexofenadine) and Claritin are sold over the counter at pharmacies, while stronger formulations may require a prescription. These are widely used for hay fever (kafun-shō), which affects a large portion of the Japanese population.
Japan's cedar pollen season typically runs from February through April, making antihistamines one of the most purchased OTC medicines during spring.
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Antihistamine |
| Japanese (日本語) | 抗ヒスタミン剤 |
| Chinese (中文) | 抗组胺药 |
| Korean (한국어) | 항히스타민제 |
| Portuguese | Anti-histamínico |
| Spanish | Antihistamínico |
| Filipino | Antihistamine |
| Thai | ยาแก้แพ้ |
| Vietnamese | Thuốc kháng histamine |
| Romanization | Kō-hisutamin-zai |
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Read the guide →Last reviewed: September 2026