Urticaria is described as the development of wheals, angioedema or both. It can be acute (≤6 weeks) or chronic (>6 weeks). 

Chronic urticaria is less frequent than acute ones in children, but it is a debilitating condition that always needs treatment. Its symptoms affect a child′s daily activities and disturb sleeping patterns, leading to emotional distress and negatively influencing learning and cognition. Thus, the management of chronic urticaria must aim for complete control of symptoms, considering tolerability and the patient quality of life.

The latest revised version of the EAACI/GA²LEN/EDF/WAO guideline on managing urticaria recommends using second-generation H₁ antihistamines as the treatment of choice and underlines their use in the pediatric population. Bilastine has been studied in children; at a dose of 10 mg once daily. It is licensed for the symptomatic relief of urticaria in children ≥6 to 11 years, in the European Union, as an oral solution or orodispersible tablet.

In accordance with the recent recommendation for second-generation H₁ antihistamine use in children, the present study reviewed and confirmed the safety and tolerability profile of bilastine in children with chronic urticaria.

Source: Papadopoulos NG, Zuberbier T. The safety and tolerability profile of bilastine for chronic urticaria in children. Clin Transl Allergy. 2019;9:55.