Which type of drug is commonly used to treat acute allergic reactions?

Antihistamines are commonly 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 histamine binds to its receptors, it can lead to symptoms such as itching, hives, and swelling. By preventing histamine from attaching to its receptors, antihistamines help alleviate these symptoms quickly and effectively, making them a primary choice in the management of allergies.

Antibiotics target bacterial infections, antivirals are aimed at viral infections, and antiparasitics treat infections caused by parasites. None of these classes of drugs are designed to counteract the immediate effects of allergies caused by histamine release, making antihistamines the correct choice for treating acute allergic reactions.