Bilastine

Bilastine is a non-sedating (second-generation) antihistamine medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

Bilastine is used for:

• Allergic rhino-conjunctivitis — seasonal or perennial allergy with sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, blocked nose, and red, itchy or watery eyes
• Urticaria (hives) — including chronic urticaria with itching and wheals
• Other histamine-mediated allergic symptoms where the doctor finds it appropriate

It is approved for adults and adolescents from 12 years; for younger children, use only as directed by a doctor with the appropriate formulation.

Adults and adolescents (12 years and above): the usual dose of Bilastine is 20 mg once daily.

How to take it: Bilastine should be taken on an empty stomach — at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Take it with plain water and avoid fruit juice for at least 1 hour around the dose, because food and juices reduce its absorption and effectiveness.

Children: doses for children are decided by the doctor using suitable formulations. Do not exceed the prescribed dose; the doctor will set the duration of treatment.

Bilastine is usually very well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

• Headache
• Drowsiness or tiredness in a small number of users
• Dizziness
• Stomach discomfort, nausea (uncommon)
• Dry mouth (uncommon)
• Rarely: palpitations or allergic reactions such as rash and swelling

Serious side effects are rare. If you develop widespread rash, facial swelling or breathing difficulty after taking Bilastine, stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention.

• Always take Bilastine on an empty stomach with water; food, fruit juice and grapefruit juice in particular reduce its absorption.
• Tell your doctor if you have moderate or severe kidney problems — special caution is needed, especially with certain other medicines.
• Although drowsiness is rare, check your own response before driving or operating machinery.
• Avoid taking it together with ketoconazole, erythromycin or other interacting medicines unless your doctor approves.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart rhythm disorders.
• Keep your doctor informed of all medicines and supplements you use.

Key interactions of Bilastine:

• Food and fruit juices — significantly reduce absorption; keep a gap of at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after food, and avoid fruit juice within 1 hour.
• Ketoconazole, erythromycin, diltiazem — can increase bilastine blood levels; use together only on medical advice.
• P-glycoprotein inhibitors in patients with kidney impairment — combination should be avoided.
• Alcohol — at the usual dose bilastine adds little sedation, but moderation is still sensible.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before starting Bilastine.

• Known hypersensitivity to Bilastine or any ingredient of the preparation
• Not recommended below 12 years of age unless a child-appropriate formulation is prescribed by a doctor
• In moderate-to-severe kidney impairment, avoid combining with ketoconazole, erythromycin, diltiazem or similar interacting drugs
• Use in significant heart rhythm disorders only under medical supervision

There is limited experience with Bilastine in pregnant women, so it is preferably avoided during pregnancy unless the doctor judges it clearly necessary. Whether Bilastine passes into human breast milk is not well established; breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor, who may select this medicine or a longer-studied alternative. Do not start Bilastine in pregnancy or while breastfeeding without medical advice.

Store Bilastine below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original pack and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.