Amalia Leceta, Aintzane García, Ander Sologuren, Cristina Campo
Drugs Context . 2021 Aug 10;10:2021-5-1. doi: 10.7573/dic.2021-5-1. eCollection 2021
Bilastine is a non-drowsy H1-antihistamine for treating allergic conditions such as rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria in people of all ages. This review aims to update a former article, focusing on recent clinical data on the use of bilastine in children and adults.
Data was collected from recent clinical studies in children and adults from Faes Farma. Most of the new information was updated on paediatric and elderly use. The European Medicines Agency approval took place in 2017 following a Paediatric Investigation Plan from 2009. Faes Farma received questions related to drug interactions involving bilastine and other concomitant medicines and the use of bilastine in special populations or for the treatment of specific conditions. The summarized advice from specialists consisted of interactions involving the cytochrome P450 isozyme system, leading to changes in drug exposure and, therefore, clinical efficacy and safety. Elderly patients are at particular risk of drug-drug interactions due to the number of concurrent medicines and comorbidities. Of importance are also potential drug-drug interactions between bilastine and drugs with a narrow therapeutic index.
In conclusion, although bilastine has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, decisions on its use should rely on evidence, expert opinions, and the SmPC of bilastine. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to answer specific questions regarding its use.
