Ebastine

Ebastine is a non-sedating antihistamine (second generation) medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, side effects and precautions — and every brand with its current price.

Ebastine is prescribed for the relief of:

• Allergic rhinitis — seasonal or perennial, with or without allergic conjunctivitis: sneezing, runny and itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes
• Chronic idiopathic urticaria (long-standing hives) — reducing itching and the number of wheals
• Other itchy allergic skin conditions, as judged by a doctor

Because it is non-sedating in most people, Ebastine suits students, drivers and office workers who need allergy relief without daytime sleepiness. Your doctor may also prescribe it for other allergy-related problems not listed here.

Most people tolerate Ebastine well. Reported side effects include:

• Headache (the most common)
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness or fatigue (uncommon)
• Abdominal discomfort or indigestion
• Sore throat or runny nose
• Rarely — palpitations or a fast heartbeat

Seek medical help urgently if you develop swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulty, severe rash, fainting, or a pounding or irregular heartbeat. Tell your doctor if any side effect continues or bothers you while taking Ebastine.

• Tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, a prolonged QT interval, a slow heartbeat or low blood potassium — ebastine combined with certain medicines can affect heart rhythm
• Inform your doctor about liver or kidney disease — the dose may need limiting
• Stop the medicine at least 48–72 hours before allergy skin testing, as it can mask the results
• See how Ebastine affects you before driving — a small number of people feel drowsy
• Avoid alcohol, which can add to any sleepiness
• Use in children only at doses set by the doctor

Some medicines can raise the blood level of ebastine and increase the chance of heart-rhythm side effects. Tell your doctor before combining Ebastine with:

• Azole antifungals — ketoconazole, itraconazole
• Macrolide antibiotics — erythromycin, clarithromycin
• Other QT-prolonging medicines — certain antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics and antimalarials

Rifampicin may reduce the effect of ebastine. Also mention any sedatives or sleeping pills you use, and limit alcohol. Always share your full medicine list, including herbal and over-the-counter products, with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Ebastine.

Do not take Ebastine if you:

• Are allergic to ebastine or any ingredient of the preparation
• Have a known significant QT-interval prolongation, or take medicines that strongly prolong the QT interval, unless your doctor specifically approves

Use only with a doctor's guidance in severe liver impairment, significant electrolyte disturbance such as low potassium, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in young children. If you are unsure whether Ebastine is right for you, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

Pregnancy: There is limited information on ebastine use in human pregnancy, so it is generally avoided unless the doctor judges that the benefit outweighs any risk. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, tell your doctor before taking Ebastine — an antihistamine with a longer safety record may be preferred.

Breastfeeding: It is not known how much ebastine passes into breast milk, so use it during breastfeeding only on a doctor's advice. If your doctor approves it, watch the baby for unusual sleepiness or poor feeding and report any concern promptly.

Store Ebastine below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep tablets in their blister pack until you take them.

• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• For syrup, close the bottle tightly after each use and discard any remainder within the period stated on the label after opening