bilastine at a glance
Medicine class
Second-generation, relatively non-sedating H1 antihistamine
Licensed uses
Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria
Food and drink
Food and fruit juice reduce absorption, so take the tablet separately from them
Driving
Check your response before driving because drowsiness can occur
What is bilastine used for?
Bilastine tablets are licensed for symptomatic treatment of:
Seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, including hay-fever symptoms affecting the nose and eyes
Perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Urticaria, including itching and raised wheals or hives
How does bilastine work?
Bilastine blocks peripheral histamine H1 receptors, limiting symptoms such as itching, sneezing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, redness and wheals.
bilastine preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg
How to take bilastine
Follow the product label and prescriber’s instructions.
Swallow the tablet with water.
Take it on an empty stomach, separately from food and fruit juice.
The score line is intended only to make the tablet easier to swallow.
bilastine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Drowsiness
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, collapse, facial or throat swelling, widespread swelling or marked skin redness
bilastine in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is absent or limited, so the product information advises avoiding bilastine as a precaution. UK specialist guidance generally prefers antihistamines with more pregnancy experience, such as loratadine or cetirizine. Discuss treatment with a prescriber.
bilastine while breastfeeding
It is not known whether bilastine enters human milk. A prescriber should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment. UK specialist guidance prefers cetirizine or loratadine for a full-term, healthy infant because more information is available.
bilastine interactions
Food, transporter interactions and medicines affecting cardiac rhythm are particularly relevant.
Food, grapefruit juice and other fruit juices
They reduce bilastine absorption and may make it less effective.
Ketoconazole or erythromycin
These can increase bilastine exposure through intestinal transporter effects.
Cyclosporine or diltiazem
These may increase bilastine concentrations, especially when kidney function is moderately or severely reduced.
Ritonavir or rifampicin
Common questions about bilastine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is bilastine used for?
It relieves symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria, including hives and itching.
Is bilastine non-drowsy?
It is relatively non-sedating, but drowsiness can occur and individual responses vary.
Why must it be taken away from food and fruit juice?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.