Generic medicine

Bilastine: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Bilastine is a second-generation, non-sedating H1-antihistamine indicated for the symptomatic relief of allergic conditions.

Forms:TabletDispersible Tablet

About Bilastine

Indications of Bilastine

Bilastine is a second-generation, non-sedating H1-antihistamine indicated for the symptomatic relief of allergic conditions. Its evidence-based uses are as follows:

Established / Approved Uses

  • Allergic Rhinitis (Seasonal and Perennial): Relieves nasal symptoms (sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, nasal pruritus) and non-nasal (ocular) symptoms such as itching, redness, and tearing associated with allergic rhino-conjunctivitis.
  • Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Relieves pruritus (itching) and reduces the number and size of hives (wheals) in adults.

Guideline-Supported / Regional Use

  • In several international guidelines and in markets outside the United States (including Bangladesh), Bilastine is also used in children as young as 2 years for allergic rhinitis and urticaria using age/weight-appropriate lower-strength formulations (oral suspension or dispersible tablet). Its use in patients under 12 years should be guided by a physician.

Bilastine does not cure the underlying allergic condition; it controls symptoms for as long as it is taken.

Dosage & Administration of Bilastine

Adults and Adolescents (12 years and older)

IndicationDose
Allergic rhinitis (seasonal/perennial)20 mg (1 tablet) once daily
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (adults ≥18 years)20 mg (1 tablet) once daily

Children (2 to 11 years)

Where locally approved, a lower-strength, age-appropriate formulation is used under medical supervision:

  • 6-11 years or ≥20 kg: 10 mg once daily (orodispersible tablet)
  • 2-5 years or 10-20 kg: weight-based oral suspension dose once daily, as directed by the physician

Administration Instructions

Bilastine must be taken on an empty stomach — at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal — because food significantly reduces its absorption and effectiveness. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water. Avoid taking Bilastine with grapefruit juice or other fruit juices, as these can substantially lower drug absorption (see Interactions).

Missed Dose

If a dose of Bilastine is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose; do not double the dose.

Side Effects of Bilastine

Bilastine is generally well tolerated, with an adverse-effect profile close to placebo. Reported side effects include:

Common (≥1%)

  • Headache
  • Somnolence (drowsiness) — less than with first-generation antihistamines
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Upper abdominal pain

Less Common (<1%)

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth
  • Anxiety, insomnia, disturbance in attention
  • Rash, myalgia
  • Palpitations, sinus arrhythmia, and rare reports of ECG QT-interval changes

Rare post-marketing reports of Torsade de Pointes have occurred, generally in the setting of other QT-prolonging risk factors or medications. Seek prompt medical attention for palpitations, fainting, or irregular heartbeat while taking Bilastine.

Contraindications of Bilastine

Bilastine is contraindicated in:

  • Patients with known hypersensitivity to Bilastine or to any excipient of the formulation.
  • Patients with a known history of QT-interval prolongation or Torsade de Pointes, including congenital long QT syndrome.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bilastine

What is Bilastine used for?

Bilastine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny/blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes) and chronic urticaria (itching and hives). It is commonly used for both seasonal and year-round (perennial) allergies.

How should I take Bilastine?

Take Bilastine once daily on an empty stomach — at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating — swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Avoid taking it with milk, food, or fruit juices such as grapefruit juice, as these significantly reduce how much of the drug your body absorbs and can make it less effective.

Can I drink grapefruit juice while taking Bilastine?

It is best to avoid grapefruit juice and other fruit juices around the time you take Bilastine, because they can reduce its absorption by roughly 30% or more, lowering its effectiveness. Take Bilastine with plain water instead, separated from juices by at least 1-2 hours.

Does Bilastine cause drowsiness?

Bilastine is a non-sedating, second-generation antihistamine and causes significantly less drowsiness than older (first-generation) antihistamines. At the recommended dose it does not meaningfully impair driving or psychomotor performance in most people, though a small number of individuals may still notice mild sleepiness.

Is Bilastine safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Data on Bilastine use in pregnancy and breastfeeding are limited. As a precaution, it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a physician determines that the benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk. Always consult your doctor before taking Bilastine if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Who should not take Bilastine?

Bilastine should not be taken by anyone with a known allergy/hypersensitivity to Bilastine or its ingredients, or by anyone with a personal history of QT-interval prolongation, Torsade de Pointes, or congenital long QT syndrome. Tell your doctor about any heart rhythm problems or other medicines you take, especially other drugs that can affect heart rhythm, before starting Bilastine.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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