Beltas Tab

BELTAS TAB

BELTAS TAB by GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS LTD is an antihistamine medication primarily used for the symptomatic relief of various allergic conditions.

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Bilastine 20 mg.

Uses BELTAS TAB is prescribed to manage symptoms associated with:

• Allergic Rhinitis: This includes hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and perennial allergic rhinitis, providing relief from sneezing, itching, runny or blocked nose, and red or watery eyes.
• Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (Hives): It helps alleviate itchy skin rashes, including swelling, redness, and itching of the skin (wheals).

Dosage and Administration

• Adults & Adolescents (12 years of age and over): The typical recommended dose is one 20 mg tablet once daily.
• Administration: The tablet should be swallowed whole with water on an empty stomach, ideally at least one hour before or two hours after food or fruit juice, as certain juices can reduce its effectiveness. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. It is often recommended to take it at the same time daily, preferably in the evening.
• Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, the next scheduled dose should be taken; an extra dose should not be taken.
• Children (6 to 11 years): A 10 mg mouth-dissolving tablet is available for symptomatic relief, not to exceed 10 mg daily. BELTAS TAB (20 mg) is generally not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Side Effects Common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Drowsiness/Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain/Stomach discomfort
• Sore throat
• Nasal irritation (rhinitis)
• Allergic conjunctivitis (eye irritation)

Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention. These can include severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, skin redness) and heart problems (racing or slowing heartbeat, cold sweats, feeling faint).

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to Bilastine or any other ingredients.
• Pregnancy: Caution is advised, and it should not be used during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. Consult a doctor if pregnant or planning to conceive.
• Breastfeeding: Use with caution. Consult a doctor as it is unknown if the medicine passes into human milk.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may enhance drowsiness and dizziness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: It may cause drowsiness or dizziness in some individuals. Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Kidney Impairment: Use with caution in patients with moderate to severe kidney impairment. Your doctor may monitor kidney function.
• Heart Problems: Use with caution in patients with a history of heart rhythm problems or other heart conditions.
• Food and Fruit Juices: Avoid taking with food or grapefruit and other fruit juices as they can decrease the absorption and effectiveness of Bilastine.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, ideally between 15-30°C.
• Protect the medicine from light and moisture to maintain its efficacy.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

What is Beltas Tab used for?

Beltas Tab is primarily used to relieve symptoms associated with various allergic conditions. These include allergic rhinitis, such as hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and perennial allergic rhinitis, which can cause sneezing, an itchy, runny, or blocked nose, and red or watery eyes. It is also effective in managing chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives), which manifests as itchy skin rashes or raised welts.

How does Beltas Tab work?

Beltas Tab contains bilastine, which is a non-sedating antihistamine. It works by selectively blocking the histamine H1 receptors in the body. By doing so, it inhibits the action of histamine, a natural chemical messenger released during allergic reactions. This blockage helps to reduce the inflammation, itching, and other symptoms associated with allergies.

What is the usual dosage for Beltas Tab?

For adults and adolescents 12 years of age and over, the recommended dosage is one 20 mg tablet once daily. It should be taken with water on an empty stomach, ideally one hour before or two hours after food or fruit juice, to ensure optimal absorption.

What are the possible side effects of Beltas Tab?

Common side effects may include headache, drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, sore throat, nasal irritation (rhinitis), and allergic conjunctivitis. Most of these side effects are usually mild and temporary. If any side effects persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Is Beltas Tab safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Beltas Tab should be avoided during pregnancy as a precautionary measure due to limited information regarding its safety in pregnant women. It is important to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or think you may be pregnant.

Breastfeeding: Caution is recommended when considering Beltas Tab if you are breastfeeding. While some limited human data suggests it might be safe, it is unknown if bilastine passes into human milk. Therefore, it is generally advised not to breastfeed while taking this medicine without consulting your doctor for a comprehensive risk-benefit assessment.

Can Beltas Tab be taken with other medications?

Beltas Tab can interact with certain medications. These include antifungals (like ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (like erythromycin), anticonvulsants (such as pregabalin), anti-anginals (like diltiazem), immunosuppressants (like cyclosporine), and antiretrovirals (like ritonavir). It is important to inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

What precautions should be taken while taking Beltas Tab?

It is important to avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience drowsiness after taking Beltas Tab. Individuals with a history of heart rhythm disorders (QT prolongation), severe kidney failure, or rare hereditary problems like galactose intolerance or total lactase deficiency should use this medicine with caution. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it may enhance drowsiness. Beltas Tab is generally not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Always inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, especially heart or kidney problems. Additionally, avoid taking Beltas Tab with grapefruit juice or other fruit juices, as this can reduce its effectiveness.

What happens if a dose of Beltas Tab is missed?

If you miss a dose of Beltas Tab, take it as soon as you remember, ensuring you take it on an empty stomach. However, if it is nearly 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 a missed one.

How should Beltas Tab be stored?

Beltas Tab should be stored at room temperature, ideally between 15-30°C or below 30°C. It should be protected from light and moisture to maintain its efficacy and kept out of the reach of children.