BILASTINE

Although bilastine is a non-sedating antihistamine, some people may experience drowsiness, which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. You should make sure you know how this medicine affects you before you perform potentially hazardous activities.

If you are due to have any skin prick or patch tests to diagnose allergies you should stop taking your antihistamines at least 48 hours before the tests. This is because antihistamines can prevent or reduce the skin reactions that indicate an allergy, and so can make the test results unreliable.

Headache, malaise, abdominal pain, diarrhea, increased appetite, weight gain, thirst, gastritis, prolonged QT interval (irregular heartbeat), dyspnea (difficulty in breathing), anxiety, insomnia, vertigo, dizziness, fever, oral herpes, tinnitus (ringing in the ear).

Precautions

Give with caution to pregnant and lactating women.

Interactions

Increased risk of adverse effects with P-glycoprotein inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, erythromycin, ciclosporin, ritonavir, diltiazem) especially in patients with moderate to severe kidney impairment.

Symptoms of overdose include dizziness, headache and nausea. If overdose is suspected, bring the victim to the hospital immediately.

Available brands:

• Bilaxten (A. Menarini)