Indications
Bilastine is indicated for symptomatic treatment of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (seasonal and perennial) and urticaria.
Drug Class
Non-sedating antihistamines
Pharmacology
Bilastine is a non-sedating, long-acting histamine antagonist with selective peripheral H1 receptor antagonist affinity and no affinity for muscarinic receptors. Bilastine inhibits histamine-induced wheal and flare skin reactions for 24 hours following single doses.
Dosage
Adults and adolescents (12 years of age and over): 20 mg bilastine (1 tablet) once daily for the relief of symptoms of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and urticaria. The tablet should be swallowed with water one hour before or two hours after intake of food or fruit juice.
Interaction
Concomitant intake of Bilastine and Ketoconazole or Erythromycin or Diltiazem increased Cmax of Bilastine. The psychomotor performance after concomitant intake of alcohol and Bilastine was similar to that observed after intake of alcohol and placebo. Concomitant intake of Bilastine and Lorazepam 3 mg for 8 days did not potentiate the depressant CNS effects of Lorazepam.
Contraindications
Bilastine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients of the tablet.
Side Effects
The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trial are headache, dizziness, somnolence and fatigue. These adverse events occurred with a comparable frequency in patients receiving placebo.
Precautions
Co-administration of Bilastine and P-glycoprotein inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, erythromycin, cyclosporine, ritonavir or diltiazem) should be avoided in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment.
Pediatric Use
Efficacy and safety of Bilastine in children under 2 years of age have not been established and there is little clinical experience in children aged 2 to 5 years, therefore bilastine should not be used in these age groups.
Overdose Effects
In clinical trials, after administration of Bilastine at doses 10 to 11 times the therapeutic dose (220 mg as single dose; or 200 mg/day for 7 days) frequency of treatment emergent adverse events was two times higher than with placebo. The adverse reactions most frequently reported were dizziness, headache and nausea. No serious adverse events and no significant prolongation in the QTc interval were reported.
Storage Condition
Keep below 30°C temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.