Allergic rhinitis: Oral: 20 mg once daily (maximum: 20 mg/day).
Chronic spontaneous urticaria: Oral: Initial: 20 mg once daily. If symptom control is inadequate after 2 weeks, may increase to 40 mg once daily; if symptoms remain uncontrolled after an additional 2 weeks, may increase to 80 mg once daily (Weller 2018; Zuberbier 2018).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
No dosage adjustment necessary.
No dosage adjustment necessary.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis: Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: Oral: Refer to adult dosing
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
Refer to adult dosing.
May be product dependent
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Oral:
Blexten: 2.5 mg/mL (120 mL) [contains methylparaben, propylparaben]
Tablet, Oral:
Blexten: 20 mg
Tablet Disintegrating, Oral:
Blexten: 10 mg
Not available in the US
Oral: Administer with water 1 hour before or 2 hours after intake of food or fruit juices.
Oral: Administer with water 1 hour before or 2 hours after intake of food or fruit juices.
Note: Not approved in the US
Allergic rhinitis: Relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients ≥12 years of age
Chronic spontaneous urticaria: Symptomatic treatment of adults with chronic spontaneous urticaria (eg, pruritus, hives)
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
1% to 10%:
Central nervous system: Drowsiness (4%), headache (4%), dizziness (1%)
Gastrointestinal: Upper abdominal pain (1%)
<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Abdominal pain, abnormal T waves on ECG, acneiform eruption, anxiety, asthenia, back pain, chest discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, disturbance in attention, dry nose, dysgeusia, dyspepsia, dyspnea, ECG abnormality, epistaxis, eructation, eye pain, fatigue, fever, gastritis, hypersensitivity reaction, hypersomnia, increased appetite, increased gamma-glutamyl transferase, increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, increased serum bilirubin, increased serum cholesterol, increased serum triglycerides, increased thirst, insomnia, inversion T wave on ECG, jitteriness, malaise, menstrual disease (delayed), motion sickness, myalgia, myasthenia, nasal discomfort, nausea, nightmares, oral herpes simplex infection, pain, palpitations, papular rash, pharyngitis, prolonged QT interval on ECG, pruritus, right bundle branch block, sinus arrhythmia, sinus bradycardia, stomach discomfort, ST segment changes on ECG, tachycardia, throat irritation, tinnitus, urticaria, ventricular premature contractions, vertigo, vomiting, weight gain, weight loss, widened QRS complex on ECG, xerostomia
Hypersensitivity to bilastine or any component of the formulation; history of QT prolongation and/or torsades de pointes, including congenital long QT syndromes.
Disease-related concerns:
• QT interval prolongation: QTc interval prolongation has been reported with use; use is contraindicated in patients with a history of QT prolongation and/or Torsade de pointes, including congenital long QT syndromes. Use caution in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmia, significant bradycardia, a family history of sudden cardiac death, electrolyte abnormalities (eg, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia), or with concomitant use of other QTc-prolonging drugs.
Substrate of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 (major); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Aclidinium: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination
Alcohol (Ethyl): CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Alcohol (Ethyl). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alizapride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Amantadine: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Amezinium: Antihistamines may enhance the stimulatory effect of Amezinium. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Amphetamines: May diminish the sedative effect of Antihistamines. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Anticholinergic Agents: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Anticholinergic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Asciminib: May increase the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Azelastine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine: Antihistamines may diminish the diagnostic effect of Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine. Management: Suspend systemic H1 antagonists for benzylpenicilloyl-polylysine skin testing and delay testing until systemic antihistaminic effects have dissipated. A histamine skin test may be used to assess persistent antihistaminic effects. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Betahistine: Antihistamines may diminish the therapeutic effect of Betahistine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Blonanserin. Management: Use caution if coadministering blonanserin and CNS depressants; dose reduction of the other CNS depressant may be required. Strong CNS depressants should not be coadministered with blonanserin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Botulinum Toxin-Containing Products: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brexanolone: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Brexanolone. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromopride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Buprenorphine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine at lower doses in patients already receiving CNS depressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the tachycardic effect of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Chloral Betaine: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Chlormethiazole: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cimetropium: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Cimetropium. Risk X: Avoid combination
CloZAPine: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the constipating effect of CloZAPine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination whenever possible. If combined, monitor closely for signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal hypomotility and consider prophylactic laxative treatment. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
CNS Depressants: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
COVID-19 Vaccine (Adenovirus Vector): Antihistamines may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of COVID-19 Vaccine (Adenovirus Vector). Specifically, the prophylactic use of antihistamines may mask symptoms and delay diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis. Management: Do not administer antihistamines to COVID-19 adenovirus vector vaccine recipients prior to vaccination to prevent allergic reactions. Use may mask cutaneous symptoms, which could lead to a delay in the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
COVID-19 Vaccine (mRNA): Antihistamines may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of COVID-19 Vaccine (mRNA). Specifically, the prophylactic use of antihistamines may mask symptoms and delay diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis. Management: Do not administer antihistamines to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine recipients prior to vaccination to prevent allergic reactions. Use may mask cutaneous symptoms, which could lead to a delay in the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Daridorexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dose reduction of daridorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of daridorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of daridorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Difelikefalin: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dimethindene (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Doxylamine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: The manufacturer of Diclegis (doxylamine/pyridoxine), intended for use in pregnancy, specifically states that use with other CNS depressants is not recommended. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Droperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Eluxadoline: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the constipating effect of Eluxadoline. Risk X: Avoid combination
Erdafitinib: May increase the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Esketamine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunitrazepam. Management: Reduce the dose of CNS depressants when combined with flunitrazepam and monitor patients for evidence of CNS depression (eg, sedation, respiratory depression). Use non-CNS depressant alternatives when available. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic): Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Gilteritinib: May increase the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Glucagon: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Glucagon. Specifically, the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Glycopyrrolate (Oral Inhalation): Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Glycopyrrolate (Oral Inhalation). Risk X: Avoid combination
Glycopyrronium (Topical): May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination
Grapefruit Juice: May decrease the serum concentration of Bilastine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Haloperidol: QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Caution) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Haloperidol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Hyaluronidase: Antihistamines may diminish the therapeutic effect of Hyaluronidase. Risk C: Monitor therapy
HydrOXYzine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ipratropium (Oral Inhalation): May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination
Itopride: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Itopride. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Kava Kava: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Kratom: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Lasmiditan: May increase the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk X: Avoid combination
Lemborexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Levosulpiride: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Levosulpiride. Risk X: Avoid combination
Lisuride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lofexidine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Loop Diuretics: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Bilastine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lumacaftor and Ivacaftor: May increase the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors or Inducers). Lumacaftor and Ivacaftor may decrease the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors or Inducers). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Magnesium Sulfate: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce the usual dose of CNS depressants by 50% if starting methotrimeprazine until the dose of methotrimeprazine is stable. Monitor patient closely for evidence of CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Metoclopramide: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
MetyroSINE: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of MetyroSINE. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mianserin: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Minocycline (Systemic): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mirabegron: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Mirabegron. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nitroglycerin: Anticholinergic Agents may decrease the absorption of Nitroglycerin. Specifically, anticholinergic agents may decrease the dissolution of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets, possibly impairing or slowing nitroglycerin absorption. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Olopatadine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Opioid Agonists: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Orphenadrine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxatomide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxomemazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxybate Salt Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Oxybate Salt Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, dose reduction or discontinuation of one or more CNS depressants (including the oxybate salt product) should be considered. Interrupt oxybate salt treatment during short-term opioid use Risk D: Consider therapy modification
OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Paraldehyde. Risk X: Avoid combination
Perampanel: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors: May increase the serum concentration of Bilastine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Piribedil: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Piribedil. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pitolisant: Antihistamines may diminish the therapeutic effect of Pitolisant. Risk X: Avoid combination
Potassium Chloride: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Chloride. Management: Patients on drugs with substantial anticholinergic effects should avoid using any solid oral dosage form of potassium chloride. Risk X: Avoid combination
Potassium Citrate: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Citrate. Risk X: Avoid combination
Pramipexole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Pramipexole. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pramlintide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. These effects are specific to the GI tract. Risk X: Avoid combination
QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk): QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Caution) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when these agents are combined. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ramosetron: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the constipating effect of Ramosetron. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Revefenacin: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Revefenacin. Risk X: Avoid combination
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: CNS Depressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b. Specifically, the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse effects may be increased. Management: Avoid coadministration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b and other CNS depressants. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for neuropsychiatric adverse effects (eg, depression, suicidal ideation, aggression, mania). Risk D: Consider therapy modification
ROPINIRole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of ROPINIRole. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rotigotine: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Rotigotine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rufinamide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Specifically, sleepiness and dizziness may be enhanced. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Secretin: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Secretin. Management: Avoid concomitant use of anticholinergic agents and secretin. Discontinue anticholinergic agents at least 5 half-lives prior to administration of secretin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Thalidomide. Risk X: Avoid combination
Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics: Anticholinergic Agents may increase the serum concentration of Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tiotropium: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Tiotropium. Risk X: Avoid combination
Topiramate: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Topiramate. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Trimeprazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Umeclidinium: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination
Valerian: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Food: Decreases bioavailability by 33%. Management: Administer 1 hour before or 2 hours after intake of food.
Grapefruit juice: Decreases bioavailability by 30%. This effect may also apply to other fruit juices. Management: Administer 1 hour before or 2 hours after intake of grapefruit juice or other fruit juices.
Information related to the use of bilastine in pregnancy is limited.
Antihistamines may be used for the treatment of rhinitis and urticaria in pregnant women. Although second generation antihistamines are preferred, agents other than bilastine are currently recommended (Murase 2014; Scadding 2017; Zuberbier 2018).
It is not known if bilastine is present in breast milk.
According to the manufacturer, the decision to continue or discontinue breastfeeding during therapy should consider the risk of infant exposure, the benefits of breastfeeding to the infant, and benefits of treatment to the mother.
Relief of symptoms
Histamine antagonist with selective peripheral H1 receptor antagonist affinity and no affinity for muscarinic receptors.
Onset: 1 hour
Duration: 26 hours
Absorption: Rapid
Protein binding: 84% to 90%
Metabolism: Minimal (~5% of dose)
Bioavailability: ~61%
Half-life elimination: ~14.5 hours
Time to peak: 1.13 hours
Excretion: Feces (67%, as unchanged bilastine); Urine (28%, as unchanged bilastine)