Bilastine
About Bilastine
Bilastine is used to treat various kinds of allergic symptoms like blocked/runny/itchy nose, red/watery eyes, and skin rashes.
Bilastine contains bilastine (an antihistamine), which works by blocking the effects of a chemical messenger known as histamine, that causes allergic symptoms.
In some cases, you may experience abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, sore throat, and nausea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and typically resolve on their own over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
You should not take Bilastine if you are allergic to Bilastine, are currently breastfeeding, have severe kidney failure (creatinine clearance less than 10 ml/min), have problems with urinary retention, or have fructose intolerance.
Uses of Bilastine
• Asthma Management: Bilastine is commonly used to prevent and manage asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation in the airways.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Bilastine helps alleviate symptoms associated with seasonal or year-round allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and nasal congestion.
• Reduction of Inflammation: It assists in the inflammatory response in the respiratory system, making it beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions related to inflammation.
Medicinal Benefits
- Bilastine effectively reduces sneezing, runny or blocked nose, and itchy nose caused by seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis.
- It provides relief from red, watery, or itchy eyes associated with allergies.
- This medicine helps manage symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis triggered by pollen.
- Bilastine reduces discomfort caused by dust, pet dander, or mould allergies.
- It alleviates swelling, redness, itching, and rashes on the skin.
- Bilastine blocks the action of histamine, the chemical responsible for allergic reactions, thus reducing flare-ups.
- By controlling allergic symptoms, it enhances daily comfort, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
Directions for Use
- Bilastine should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food or fruit juice, as they reduce its effectiveness.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations on the dosage and timing of this medication to achieve optimal results.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Bilastine
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Nausea
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Bilastine if you are allergic to any of its components.
- Please inform your doctor if you have any heart, liver, kidney diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, stomach ulcers, prostate enlargement, or urinary retention before taking Bilastine.
- Consult your doctor before using Bilastine if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
- Let your doctor know before starting Bilastine if you are a breastfeeding mother.
- Avoid consuming alcohol with Bilastine as it could lead to increased drowsiness or dizziness.
- Bilastine may affect your ability to drive. Do not drive if you feel sleepy after taking Bilastine.
- Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines or have any medical conditions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Bilastine is known to interact with antifungal medicine (Ketoconazole), antibiotic (Erythromycin, Rifampicin), immunosuppressant medicines (Cyclosporine), and AIDS medicines (Ritonavir).
Drug-Food Interaction: Bilastine is known to interact with grapefruit juice.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, urinary tract blockage, an enlarged prostate, asthma, or stomach ulcers.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeBilastine may cause excessive dizziness when taken with alcohol, so intake should be avoided together.
Pregnancy
cautionBilastine is pregnancy category B medicine, so it can be used by the pregnant mother only if your doctor has prescribed it.
Breast Feeding
cautionTake Bilastine only when prescribed, it is known to pass on in a limited quantity via breast milk to the child.
Driving
cautionBilastine should be used with caution while driving as it may interfere with driving capabilities. You may feel drowsy or sleepy after taking Bilastine.
Liver
cautionBilastine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions as dose adjustment might be required.
Kidney
cautionBilastine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions as dose adjustment might be required.
Children
unsafeBilastine is not recommended for children below the age of 12 years. For 12 years and above, please take Bilastine in the dose and duration as prescribed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
- The immune system is affected by stress, which raises the risk of illness. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, practice deep breathing, and employ progressive muscle relaxation techniques to alleviate stress.
- To stay fit and safe, aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. Certain food items are known to cause allergies in you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Special Advise
- Take Bilastine preferably before sleep.
- If you are supposed to undergo an allergy test, please inform your doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergy: It is an immune system response to foreign elements, typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander.
Allergic rhinitis: An inflammation of the nose caused by an allergen, such as pollen, dust, mould, or flakes of skin from certain animals.
FAQs
Bilastine is used‚ to treat various allergic symptoms like blocked/runny/itchy nose, red/watery eyes, and skin rashes.
Bilastine contains bilastine (anti-histamine), which is used to treat allergies as it blocks the effects of a chemical messenger known as histamine, which is naturally involved in allergic reactions.
Hay fever is an allergy caused by outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or tiny flecks of skin and saliva shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander). It leads to cold-like symptoms (runny nose, watery eyes).
Bilastine is an antihistamine that provides instant relief from allergic conditions; however, in some people, it may cause sleepiness and induce drowsiness during the day. Hence, it is recommended that you take it at night if you experience excessive drowsiness during the day.
You should not take Bilastine if you have had an allergic reaction to Bilastine, are intolerant to lactose or sorbitol, have liver or kidney failure, epilepsy (fits), or difficulty peeing. Inform your doctor that you are taking Bilastine and have scheduled an allergy test, as it may impact the diagnostic result.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Bilastine without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Bilastine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. If you experience any difficulty while taking Bilastine, please consult your doctor.
Bilastine is not recommended for use in patients with prostate enlargement since Bilastine may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement. It is advised to consult your doctor before using Bilastine.
The side effects of Bilastine include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, sore throat, nausea and stomach pain. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
The effects of Bilastine may start showing as early as 1 hour after consumption and last approximately 24 hours.
Bilastine should be used in dose and for duration as advised by the doctor only.
You are recommended to avoid taking antacids 30 minutes before or after taking Bilastine as it can make it harder for your body to absorb Bilastine.
Yes, Bilastine may cause headache as a common side effect. Drink plenty of water, take rest, and ask your doctor to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache persists or worsens, please consult your doctor.
Avoid consumption of fruit juices while taking Bilastine as it may affect the absorption of Bilastine.
