HISTY 20
EBASTINE 20MG
What it does
Ebastine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms.
Commonly used for: allergic rhinitis (hay fever), urticaria (hives)
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:18:13 · updated 2026-08-03 02:03:36
About this medicine
Ebastine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms.
What it treats
- allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- urticaria (hives)
How it works
Ebastine blocks the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
Who it's for
Ebastine is for adults and children over a certain age who suffer from allergies.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: ebastine
BNF-referencedEbastine is a second-generation antihistamine primarily used to manage allergic conditions by blocking histamine H1 receptors. It is effective in alleviating symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria (hives). As a non-sedating antihistamine, it does not typically cause drowsiness, making it suitable for use during the day.
Indications
- Allergic rhinitis
- Chronic urticaria
- Seasonal allergies
Dosage
Children: For children aged 6 to 12 years, the recommended dose is 5 mg once daily. For children over 12 years, the adult dose may be used.
Adults: The typical adult dose is 10 mg once daily.
Mechanism of action
Ebastine acts as a selective antagonist of the histamine H1 receptor. By binding to these receptors, it prevents the action of histamine, a substance in the body that is responsible for allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. This selective action contributes to its efficacy in treating allergic reactions while minimizing sedation.
Pharmacodynamics
Ebastine shows a rapid onset of action, typically within 1 to 3 hours of administration, and its effects can last for up to 24 hours. This allows for once-daily dosing in most cases. The drug is primarily effective in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching associated with allergic reactions.
Pharmacokinetics
Ebastine is well absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 1 to 2 hours post-dose. It undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, primarily via cytochrome P450 enzymes, resulting in the formation of an active metabolite, carebastine. The elimination half-life of ebastine is approximately 15 hours, allowing for prolonged therapeutic effects. It is excreted mainly in the urine, with a small percentage eliminated in the feces.
Pregnancy
The safety of ebastine during pregnancy has not been established. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Ebastine is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to breastfeeding mothers.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
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: ebastine
PubChem CID 3191Molecular formula: C32H39NO2
Mechanism of action
Ebastine is a second-generation antihistamine that acts as a selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist to relieve allergic symptoms.
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.