BILAST 20MG TABLET
BILASTINE
What it does
Bilastine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms.
Commonly used for: allergic rhinitis (hay fever), chronic urticaria (hives)
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:20:49 · updated 2026-09-18 02:15:31
Drug Interactions
2Unknown (2)
Bilastine - decreases exposure
Grapefruit juice slightly decreases the exposure to bilastine. Bilastine should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after grapefruit.
Bilastine - decreases exposure
Rifampicin is predicted to decrease the exposure to antihistamines, non-sedating (bilastine).
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About this medicine
Bilastine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms.
What it treats
- allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- chronic urticaria (hives)
How it works
Bilastine works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Who it's for
Bilastine is for adults and children who have allergies.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Bilastine
BNF-referencedBilastine is a non-sedating antihistamine used for the symptomatic relief of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. It is designed to minimize sedation and psychomotor impairment compared to older antihistamines.
Indications
- Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
- Urticaria
Dosage
Children: Child 6–11 years: 5 mg once daily; Child 12–17 years: 10 mg once daily.
Adults: 10 mg once daily, taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after food or fruit juice.
Mechanism of action
Bilastine exerts its effects by selectively antagonizing peripheral H1 receptors, thereby inhibiting the actions of histamine, which contributes to allergic symptoms.
Pharmacodynamics
Bilastine provides rapid onset of action with a duration of effect that allows for once-daily dosing. It has been shown to cause minimal sedation and psychomotor impairment.
Pharmacokinetics
Bilastine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours. It is not extensively metabolized in the liver and has a half-life of approximately 14 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.
Contra-indications
- Acute porphyrias
Adverse effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Anxiety
- Appetite increased
- Asthenia
- Diarrhoea
- Dyspnoea
- Fever
- Gastritis
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Oral herpes
Interactions
- Grapefruit juice may decrease exposure
- Rifampicin may decrease exposure
Precautions
- Patients should be advised that drowsiness can occur and may affect performance of skilled tasks (e.g. cycling or driving); alcohol should be avoided.
Pregnancy
Avoid-limited information available. Most manufacturers of antihistamines advise avoiding their use during pregnancy; however, there is no evidence of teratogenicity.
Breast-feeding
Avoid-no information available. Most antihistamines are present in breast milk in varying amounts; although not known to be harmful, most manufacturers advise avoiding their use in mothers who are breast-feeding.
Storage
Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- 8 mg oral tablets
- 18 mg capsules
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Bilastine
PubChem CID 185460Molecular formula: C28H37N3O3
Mechanism of action
Bilastine is a selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist (Ki = 64nM). During allergic response mast cells undergo degranulation which releases histamine and other subastances. By binding to and preventing activation of the H1 receptor, bilastine reduces the development of allergic symptoms due to the release of histamine from mast cells.
Pharmacodynamics
Bilastine is an antiallergenic and acts to reduce allergic symptoms such as nasal congestion and urticaria.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.