Which medication is typically used to treat serious allergic reactions?

Epinephrine is the medication commonly used to treat serious allergic reactions, particularly anaphylaxis, which is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic response. In cases of anaphylaxis, the body releases vast amounts of histamines and other chemicals, leading to symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, and a drop in blood pressure. Administering epinephrine works rapidly to counteract these effects by constricting blood vessels, which raises blood pressure, and relaxing the muscles in the airways, supporting easier breathing.

While diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, may be useful for treating less severe allergic reactions by blocking histamine receptors, it does not address the life-threatening aspects of anaphylaxis and is not an immediate treatment for serious reactions. Antacids and corticosteroids are not frontline treatments for acute allergic reactions either; antacids are primarily used for digestive issues, while corticosteroids, although anti-inflammatory, take time to exert their effects and are not suitable for rapid response situations like anaphylaxis. Therefore, epinephrine is the most appropriate choice for immediate treatment in serious allergic reactions.