title: Bilastine for the relief of allergy symptoms.
abstract: Bilastine is a potent inhibitor of the histamine H1 receptor. It was recently approved in 28 countries of the European Union for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria in adults and children older than 12 years. Data from preclinical studies confirmed its selectivity for the histamine H1 receptor over other receptors, and demonstrated antihistaminic and antiallergic properties in vivo. Studies in healthy volunteers and patients have shown that bilastine does not affect driving ability, cardiac conduction or alertness. Bilastine has demonstrated a good safety profile, without serious adverse effects or antimuscarinic effects in clinical trials. There were no significant changes in laboratory tests, electrocardiograms or vital signs. In clinical studies, oral treatment with bilastine 20 mg once daily improved allergic rhinitis with greater efficacy than placebo and comparable to cetirizine and desloratadine. Bilastine 20 mg was more effective than placebo and equivalent to levocetirizine in chronic urticaria, relieving symptoms, improving quality of life and controlling sleep disorders.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. bsadaba@unav.es
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sádaba Díaz de Rada
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Azanza Perea
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gomez-Guiu Hormigos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010880:Piperidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating; D010880:Piperidines; C445659:bilastine