Bilbest
Generic Name
Bilastine 20 mg
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| bilbest 20 mg tablet | ৳ 15.00 | ৳ 150.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Bilbest 20 mg tablet contains Bilastine, a new generation non-sedating antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives).
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
One 20 mg tablet once daily. Take on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after food or fruit juice.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment is required in elderly patients.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment is generally required in patients with renal impairment. However, caution should be exercised in patients with severe renal impairment (Creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) who are receiving concomitant P-gp inhibitors.
How to Take
Bilbest tablet should be taken orally, on an empty stomach, preferably one hour before or two hours after having any food or fruit juice. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
Mechanism of Action
Bilastine is a selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist that effectively blocks the effects of histamine, thereby reducing allergic symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 30-60 minutes.
Excretion
Approximately 95% of the administered dose is excreted: 28% in urine and 67% in feces, mostly as unchanged active substance.
Half life
Approximately 6-15 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentration reached in approximately 1.3 hours. Bioavailability is about 61%. Food significantly reduces absorption (by 30%) and grapefruit juice by 20%.
Metabolism
Bilastine is minimally metabolized and is excreted largely unchanged. It is not metabolized by the CYP450 system.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance bilastine or to any of the excipients.
Drug Interactions
Diltiazem
Concomitant use with diltiazem (a P-gp inhibitor) can increase Bilastine plasma levels.
Erythromycin
Co-administration with erythromycin (a P-gp inhibitor) also increases Bilastine plasma concentrations.
Ketoconazole
Concomitant administration with ketoconazole (a P-gp inhibitor) significantly increases Bilastine plasma concentrations.
Ritonavir, Rifampicin
These drugs (P-gp inducers) may decrease Bilastine plasma levels.
Storage
Store in a cool and dry place, below 30°C. Protect 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. Gastric lavage may be considered if recent ingestion. Monitoring of vital signs and cardiac rhythm (ECG) is recommended.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Limited data are available on the use of Bilastine in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity. As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Bilastine during pregnancy. It is unknown whether Bilastine is excreted in human milk. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from Bilastine therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance bilastine or to any of the excipients.
Drug Interactions
Diltiazem
Concomitant use with diltiazem (a P-gp inhibitor) can increase Bilastine plasma levels.
Erythromycin
Co-administration with erythromycin (a P-gp inhibitor) also increases Bilastine plasma concentrations.
Ketoconazole
Concomitant administration with ketoconazole (a P-gp inhibitor) significantly increases Bilastine plasma concentrations.
Ritonavir, Rifampicin
These drugs (P-gp inducers) may decrease Bilastine plasma levels.
Storage
Store in a cool and dry place, below 30°C. Protect 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. Gastric lavage may be considered if recent ingestion. Monitoring of vital signs and cardiac rhythm (ECG) is recommended.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Limited data are available on the use of Bilastine in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity. As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Bilastine during pregnancy. It is unknown whether Bilastine is excreted in human milk. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from Bilastine therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Available in pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities (e.g., DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic versions available
Clinical Trials
Bilastine has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
Lab Monitoring
- No specific routine lab monitoring is required for Bilastine.
Doctor Notes
- Bilastine is a second-generation H1-antihistamine with proven efficacy and a favorable safety profile.
- Crucially, advise patients to take on an empty stomach, avoiding food and especially fruit juices, to ensure optimal absorption.
- Minimal sedative effects, making it suitable for patients requiring alertness.
- Consider potential interactions with P-gp inhibitors.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Bilbest tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water, preferably on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after food/fruit juice).
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, 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.
Driving Precautions
Bilastine is generally considered a non-sedating antihistamine. However, some individuals may experience drowsiness or dizziness. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery until they know how Bilastine affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Identify and avoid allergens that trigger your symptoms.
- Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce exposure to allergens.
- Consider using air purifiers or keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons if allergic rhinitis is a concern.
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