Bilastine in Ige-Mediated Allergic Disorders: Rapid Acting Second Generation Non-Sedating Antihistamine with Enhanced Safety and Therapeutic Efficacy

Abstract

The common disorders known as allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria can disrupt one's ability to perform daily activities and negatively affect their quality of life. The role of histamine in the development of both responses is important, and antihistamines continue to be one of the main forms of treatment for patients who suffer from these conditions. Bilastine is a newer second-generation H1 antihistamine that treats both allergic rhinitis and urticaria and has a high degree of selectivity for peripheral H1 receptors. The level of sedation produced by bilastine is very low due to the fact that it penetrates poorly into the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, bilastine has a rapid onset of action, lasting for an extended period of time, and has a better safety profile than many conventional antihistamines do. The body metabolizes the medication bilastine little to not at all and it has been shown to have a low risk for causing significant drug interactions clinically. Evidence from numerous clinical trials has shown that bilastine can reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and skin rash while also providing comfort to the patient and improving their overall health. The purpose of this review is to summarize the pharmacological characteristics, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic indications, safety of use, and comparative advantages of bilastine in treating allergy. Available data supports bilastine as an efficacious treatment option for rhinoconjunctivitis and chronic hives (allergic rhinitis and urticaria).