Medicine Information

Belas

Name: Belas
Brand: Belas
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet20 mgAntihistamineATC: R06AX29

Generic Name

Bilastine

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
belas 20 mg tablet	৳ 15.00	৳ 150.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Belas 20 mg Tablet contains Bilastine, a second-generation non-sedating antihistamine used for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (seasonal and perennial) and urticaria (hives). It works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, reducing allergic symptoms.

Uses & Indications

Symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (seasonal and perennial)

Symptomatic treatment of urticaria (hives)

Dosage

Adults

20 mg once daily.

Elderly

No dose adjustment required.

Renal_impairment

No dose adjustment required in patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance >10 mL/min).

How to Take

Take orally once daily. It should be taken one hour before or two hours after food or fruit juice to avoid significant reduction in bioavailability.

Mechanism of Action

Bilastine is a selective peripheral histamine H1 receptor antagonist. It specifically binds to and blocks the H1 receptors, thereby preventing histamine-mediated allergic reactions such as itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. Unlike first-generation antihistamines, it has minimal penetration into the central nervous system, leading to a low incidence of sedation.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within 30-60 minutes.

Excretion

Approximately 67% excreted unchanged in feces and 33% in urine.

Half life

Approximately 14.5 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentration reached in approximately 1 hour. Bioavailability is about 61%. Food significantly reduces absorption.

Metabolism

Bilastine is minimally metabolized in humans and is largely excreted unchanged. It is not an inducer or inhibitor of cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance bilastine or to any of the excipients.

Drug Interactions

Diltiazem

Increases plasma concentration of bilastine.

Erythromycin

Increases plasma concentration of bilastine.

Ketoconazole

Increases plasma concentration of bilastine.

Grapefruit juice & other fruit juices

Significantly reduce the bioavailability of bilastine.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. There is no specific antidote for bilastine.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Limited data on pregnant women, use only if clearly needed after consulting a doctor. It is unknown whether bilastine is excreted in human milk, therefore use during lactation should be avoided or breast-feeding stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per blister (1x10)

Shelf Life

Typically 24 to 36 months from manufacturing date.

Availability

Available in pharmacies nationwide

Approval Status

Approved (EU, Bangladesh)

Patent Status

Initially patented, generic versions available

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated bilastine's efficacy and safety in treating allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria in adults and adolescents, showing comparable efficacy to other second-generation antihistamines with a favorable safety profile.

Lab Monitoring

Routine laboratory monitoring is generally not required for bilastine.

Doctor Notes

Advise patients to take on an empty stomach to ensure optimal absorption.
Caution patients about potential interactions with fruit juices.
Reassure patients about the generally non-sedating nature, but advise caution if drowsiness occurs.

Patient Guidelines

Take the tablet on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after food/fruit juice).
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or other fruit juices while on this medication.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.