Bilastine is a potent and highly selective H₁-antihistamine approved for treating allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. The present study summarizes available data on the use of bilastine in treating allergic disorders in different age groups, including younger and older adults, and school-age children and adolescents, by conducting a PubMed literature search ("bilastine").

The study found:

• Oral administration of bilastine at a dose of 20 mg once daily in adults and adolescents aged ≥12 years and 10 mg once daily in children aged 6 to <12 years.
• It is efficient in improving nasal and ocular symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis, and wheals and itching in patients with urticaria, as reported by clinical trials.
• A rapid onset of action and long duration of action of bilastine.
• Bilastine neither undergoes significant metabolism nor does interact with the CYP450 system, which limits its potential for drug-drug interactions.
• No requirements to adjust dosage in renal or hepatic impairment patients or in the elderly.
• It is usually well-tolerated, even when administered at above-standard doses.
• No anticholinergic or cardiotoxic effects, no central nervous system penetration and minimal sedative properties of bilastine.
• Improved health-related quality of life with bilastine.

Thus, this study considers bilastine a suitable option for treating allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or urticaria across age groups from school-age children to elderly patients.

Source: Church MK, Tiongco-Recto M, Ridolo E, et al. Bilastine: a lifetime companion for the treatment of allergies. Curr Med Res Opin. 2020;36(3):445-54.