Bilahist M Tab

BILAHIST M TAB

BILAHIST M TAB, manufactured by MED MANOR ORGANICS PVT. LTD., is a combination medication designed to provide comprehensive relief from allergic conditions.

• Composition: Each tablet contains Bilastine (20 mg) and Montelukast (10 mg). Bilastine is a non-sedating antihistamine that blocks H1 histamine receptors, reducing symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that works by blocking the action of leukotrienes, thereby reducing inflammation, swelling, and mucus production in the airways.

• Uses: BILAHIST M TAB is primarily used to manage various allergic conditions. These include:

  • Allergic Rhinitis (seasonal and perennial hay fever) to relieve sneezing, runny or itchy nose, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
  • Chronic Urticaria (hives) to reduce wheals and itching.
  • Asthma symptoms, particularly when exacerbated by allergies, by reducing inflammation and improving breathing comfort. It may also help in preventing exercise-induced breathing difficulties.

• Dosage and Administration: The typical dosage for adults is one tablet once daily, or as prescribed by a doctor. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed, chewed, or broken. For optimal absorption, it is recommended to take the tablet on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food. Avoid taking it with fruit juices (such as grapefruit, orange, or apple), as they can reduce the effectiveness of Bilastine. Consistent daily dosing, ideally in the evening, may help manage night symptoms.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dry mouth, sore throat, and upper respiratory tract infection.
  • Serious Side Effects: Though rare, serious side effects can include mood or behavior changes (e.g., agitation, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts), severe allergic reactions (wheezing, severe rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), and yellowing of the eyes or skin (signs of liver problems). If any serious side effects occur, immediate medical attention is advised.

• Precautions:

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Caution is advised. Consult a doctor before use, as limited data are available.
  • Liver and Kidney Impairment: Patients with liver or kidney problems should use this medicine with caution, and dose adjustments or monitoring may be required.
  • Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase drowsiness and dizziness.
  • Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some individuals, so caution is advised when driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
  • Drug Interactions: Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum should be taken at least 2 hours apart from Bilahist M Tablet, as they can reduce its effectiveness.
  • Acute Asthmatic Attacks: This medication is not indicated for the treatment of acute asthmatic attacks. It is not a rescue medicine for sudden breathing trouble.
  • Children: Bilahist M Tablet is generally not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
  • Allergy Testing: Inform your doctor if you are undergoing allergy testing, as antihistamines can affect the test results.

• Storage: Store BILAHIST M TAB in its original packaging at a comfortable room temperature, ideally below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep the tablets out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date.

What is BILAHIST M TAB used for?

BILAHIST M TAB is a combination medication primarily used to manage various allergic conditions. It effectively relieves symptoms of allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial allergies), such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and nasal congestion. It is also used to manage chronic spontaneous urticaria (hives), reducing itching and the frequency of flare-ups. Additionally, it can be used as an adjunct therapy for asthma management by reducing airway inflammation, mucus production, and preventing exercise-induced breathing difficulties.

How does BILAHIST M TAB work?

BILAHIST M TAB contains two active ingredients: Bilastine (20mg) and Montelukast (10mg). Bilastine is a non-sedating antihistamine that works by blocking H1 histamine receptors, which are responsible for triggering allergic symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that blocks the action of leukotrienes, natural substances in the body that cause inflammation, swelling, and mucus production in the airways and nasal passages. By targeting these two different pathways, BILAHIST M TAB provides comprehensive and long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms and helps improve breathing.

What is the usual dosage for BILAHIST M TAB?

The usual adult dosage is one tablet once daily, typically in the evening, or as prescribed by your doctor. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. It is generally recommended to take BILAHIST M TAB on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food, as certain foods, especially fruit juices like grapefruit, orange, or apple juice, can reduce the absorption of Bilastine and its effectiveness.

What are the possible side effects of BILAHIST M TAB?

Common side effects associated with BILAHIST M TAB include headache, abdominal pain, dry mouth, drowsiness or dizziness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, cough, sore throat, and upper respiratory tract infection. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as palpitations, elevated liver enzymes, severe skin reactions, or swelling of the face or lips. Montelukast, one of the components, has been rarely associated with neuropsychiatric effects like mood changes, agitation, anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression, or suicidal thoughts. If you experience any severe or concerning side effects, especially mood or behavioral changes, seek immediate medical attention.

Is BILAHIST M TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Limited information is available regarding the safety of BILAHIST M TAB during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should only be used if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor after a careful discussion of the potential risks and benefits. While some studies in animals and humans have not shown teratogenic effects, caution is still advised during pregnancy. For breastfeeding mothers, there is limited data on whether the medicine is excreted in human milk, so it should be used with caution and only if deemed necessary by a healthcare professional.

Can BILAHIST M TAB be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

• Avoid consuming alcohol or sedatives while taking BILAHIST M TAB, as this can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• Do not take BILAHIST M TAB with fruit juices (e.g., grapefruit, orange, apple juice), as they can significantly reduce the absorption of Bilastine.
• Certain medications, such as CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, Diltiazem), can increase the levels of Montelukast and Bilastine in the body, potentially leading to increased side effects.
• If you take indigestion medicines containing magnesium or aluminum, maintain at least a 2-hour gap between taking them and BILAHIST M TAB, as they can reduce its effectiveness.
• Severe interactions have been reported with Montelukast and drugs like Phenytoin and Rifapentine.

What precautions should be taken while using BILAHIST M TAB?

BILAHIST M TAB is not intended for the relief of acute asthma attacks; for such emergencies, use your prescribed rescue inhaler. Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver or kidney problems, as dose adjustments or monitoring may be necessary. Due to the possibility of drowsiness or dizziness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medication affects you. It is important to monitor for any mood or behavior changes (neuropsychiatric effects) with Montelukast, and you should seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur. BILAHIST M TAB is not recommended for individuals with certain hereditary problems like galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption. If you are scheduled for allergy testing, you should stop taking BILAHIST M TAB at least three days beforehand, as it can affect the test results. Always take the medicine exactly as prescribed and do not exceed the recommended dose.

What happens if a dose of BILAHIST M TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose of BILAHIST M TAB, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

How should BILAHIST M TAB be stored?

BILAHIST M TAB should be stored below 30°C (or 25°C, depending on the specific guidance). Keep it in a cool, dry place, protected from direct light and moisture, preferably in its original blister packaging. Ensure the medicine is kept out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Do not use the medicine after its expiry date.