Bilastine
Description
Bilastine is an anti-allergy medicine that helps relieve symptoms of allergic r
hinitis and conjunctivitis, including sneezing, itching, a runny or blocked nose, and red or watery eyes, by blocking histamine's action in the body. It is absorbed best when taken on an empty stomach, and fruit juices should be avoided around the time of dosing because they can significantly reduce its effectiveness. Headache, drowsiness, tiredness, and dizziness are among its common side effects; these are usually mild, but if they persist or interfere with daily activities, you should inform your doctor and avoid driving or performing tasks that require full attention until you know how your body reacts. Staying well hydrated during therapy can help ease discomfort. Before starting Bilastine, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications, as certain drugs may alter how Bilastine works or reduce its allergy-relieving effects.
Uses
Bilastine is used to treat and relieve symptoms of allergy like sneezing, runny nose, blocked or stuffy nose, red or teary eyes, etc.
Contraindications
When should one not use Bilastine
- If you are allergic to Bilastine.
- If your child is under 12 years old.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Drowsiness
- Sleepiness
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Bilastine during pregnancy?
A:
Bilastine should be avoided during pregnancy as there is limited information about its safety in pregnant women. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Bilastine while breastfeeding?
A:
It is unknown if this medicine passes into human milk, hence you should not breastfeed while taking Bilastine. Consult your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Bilastine?
A:
Bilastine may make you dizzy and feel sleepy, you should avoid driving if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Bilastine?
A:
You should avoid consuming alcohol while taking Bilastine, as it may worsen the side effects of this medicine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You are suffering from kidney problems.
- You are on medications like ketoconazole, erythromycin, cyclosporine, ritonavir, or diltiazem.
- Your symptoms do not improve, or your condition has worsened.
- Bilastine is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Our body produces certain natural substances called histamine during an allergic reaction. Bilastine works by blocking that histamine, thus relieving symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Bilastine may interact with other medicines. Discuss with your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbal preparations you are taking. Also, inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination....
- Medicines like ketoconazole (an antifungal medicine), erythromycin (antibiotic), Diltiazem (used in heart problems), Ritonavir (used in HIV infection) should be used with caution along with Bilastine.
Dosage
Overdose
Excess Bilastine may cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and nausea. Seek urgent medical help if you experience any symptoms or feel you have taken too much of this medicine.
Missed a Dose
In case you’ve missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Avoid taking a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Ravindra Ghongade
B. Pharm
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can Bilastine make me drowsy?
A: Yes, Bilastine may cause sleepiness or drowsiness as a side effect.
Q: What is the use of Bilastine?
A: Bilastine is used to manage symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as runny & stuffed nose, blockage in airways, sneezing, itching, teary eyes and other allergic symptoms.
References
View All
- Ilaxten 20 mg tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2022 [cited 24 Nov 2025]
- Ilaxten 20 mg tablets - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2022 [cited 24 Nov 2025]
- CDSCO - Bilastine [Internet]. Cdscoonline.gov.in. 2022 [cited 24 Nov 2025]
- Bilastine - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics [Internet]. Sciencedirect.com. 2022 [cited 24 Nov 2025]
- BILLARGIC Tablets (Bilastine) [Internet]. Ciplamed.com. 2022 [cited 24 Nov 2025]
- DrugBank. Bilastine. DrugBank; [cited 24 Nov 2025]
- Church MK, Tiongco-Recto M, Ridolo E, Novák Z. Bilastine: a lifetime companion for the treatment of allergies. Curr Med Res Opin. 2020 Mar;36(3):445-454.[cited 24 Nov 2025]
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 185460, Bilastine. [cited 24 Nov 2025]
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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