Blextin
Generic Name
Bilastine
Manufacturer
A Menarini
Country
Italy
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| blextin 20 mg tablet | ৳ 15.00 | ৳ 150.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Blextin 20 mg tablet contains Bilastine, a non-drowsy antihistamine used for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (seasonal and perennial) and urticaria (hives). It helps relieve symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
20 mg once daily.
Elderly
No dose adjustment is required in elderly patients.
Renal_impairment
No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment.
How to Take
Take the tablet orally, once daily. It should be taken on an empty stomach, typically one hour before or two hours after food or fruit juice. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
Mechanism of Action
Bilastine acts as a highly selective peripheral H1-histamine receptor antagonist. It prevents histamine from binding to H1 receptors, thereby inhibiting the symptoms caused by histamine release in allergic reactions. It does not significantly cross the blood-brain barrier, contributing to its non-sedating profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Onset of action is typically observed within 30-60 minutes.
Excretion
Approximately 67% of the administered dose is excreted unchanged in urine and 33% in feces.
Half life
The elimination half-life is approximately 12-15 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Mean time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) is approximately 1.3 hours. Absolute oral bioavailability is 61%. Food and fruit juice significantly reduce bioavailability.
Metabolism
Bilastine is minimally metabolized and does not induce or inhibit cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. It is not significantly metabolized in humans.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance (Bilastine) or to any of the excipients.
Drug Interactions
Diltiazem
Co-administration with diltiazem (P-gp inhibitor) increases Bilastine plasma concentrations by approximately 50%.
Other P-gp inhibitors
Other P-gp inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine) may also increase Bilastine plasma concentrations.
Ketoconazole and Erythromycin
Co-administration with ketoconazole or erythromycin (P-gp inhibitors) significantly increases Bilastine plasma concentrations (up to 2-3 fold).
Storage
Store below 30°C. Protect from moisture and light. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Overdose
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. There is no specific antidote for Bilastine. Hemodialysis is not effective in removing Bilastine due to its high plasma protein binding.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Limited data. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Lactation: It is unknown whether Bilastine is excreted in human milk. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue/abstain from Blextin therapy, taking into account the benefit of breastfeeding 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
Co-administration with diltiazem (P-gp inhibitor) increases Bilastine plasma concentrations by approximately 50%.
Other P-gp inhibitors
Other P-gp inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine) may also increase Bilastine plasma concentrations.
Ketoconazole and Erythromycin
Co-administration with ketoconazole or erythromycin (P-gp inhibitors) significantly increases Bilastine plasma concentrations (up to 2-3 fold).
Storage
Store below 30°C. Protect from moisture and light. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Overdose
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. There is no specific antidote for Bilastine. Hemodialysis is not effective in removing Bilastine due to its high plasma protein binding.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Limited data. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Lactation: It is unknown whether Bilastine is excreted in human milk. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue/abstain from Blextin therapy, taking into account the benefit of breastfeeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture, depending on storage conditions.
Availability
Available in pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved in many countries (e.g., EU, Canada, Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Patent expired for active ingredient in some regions, but brand formulation may still hold rights
Clinical Trials
Bilastine has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. Studies have compared it to other antihistamines, showing comparable or superior efficacy with a favorable safety profile.
Lab Monitoring
- No specific routine laboratory monitoring is required for Bilastine.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize to patients the importance of taking Bilastine on an empty stomach to ensure optimal absorption and efficacy.
- Advise patients about potential drug interactions with P-gp inhibitors and food/fruit juices.
- Reassure patients about its non-sedating profile, but caution about individual variability.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Blextin 20 mg tablet once daily.
- Always take it on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after food.
- Do not take with fruit juices, as they can reduce its effectiveness.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- If you experience drowsiness, avoid driving or operating machinery.
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 double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Bilastine is generally non-sedating at therapeutic doses and has minimal effect on the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, individual responses may vary. Patients should be advised to know their own response to the drug before driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- For allergic rhinitis, try to avoid known allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.
- Maintain good hygiene and keep living spaces clean.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it may enhance central nervous system depressant effects, although Bilastine is generally non-sedating.
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