Bilachek Tab

BILACHEK Tablet

BILACHEK Tablet, manufactured by Mankind Pharma Ltd., is an antihistamine medication primarily used to alleviate symptoms associated with various allergic conditions.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: BILACHEK Tablet
  • Common Name: Bilastine (active ingredient)

• Composition:

  • Each tablet contains 20 mg of Bilastine.

• Uses: BILACHEK Tablet is prescribed for the management of symptoms related to:

  • Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever), including sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and ocular symptoms like itchy or watery eyes.
  • Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (hives), providing relief from itchy skin rashes and wheals. It helps reduce discomfort caused by allergies to dust, pet dander, or mold by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical messenger involved in allergic reactions.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • The typical recommended dose is one 20 mg tablet once daily.
  • It should be taken orally with water on an empty stomach, preferably one hour before or two hours after food or fruit juice, as food can reduce its effectiveness.
  • Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew or crush it.
  • Always follow the dosage and duration as advised by your doctor.

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Headache, drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, and dizziness. Other reported common side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, and sore throat.
  • Serious (Rare): Allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, dizziness, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, skin redness), or heart problems (racing/slowing heartbeat, cold sweats, feeling faint, lightheadedness, shortness of breath). Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

• Precautions:

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Caution is advised. Consult your doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption, as it may enhance drowsiness.
  • Driving/Operating Machinery: May cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you.
  • Kidney/Liver Conditions: Use with caution in patients with moderate to severe kidney impairment; consult your doctor. Limited information for liver conditions, seek medical advice.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, especially antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), and certain anticonvulsants (e.g., pregabalin) as they may interact with Bilachek Tablet.
  • Not recommended for children below 12 years of age due to limited safety and efficacy data.

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool and dry place, protected from moisture and heat.
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children.
  • Store below 30°C.

Here are some frequently asked questions about BILACHEK TAB (Bilastine) by Mankind Pharma Ltd.:

What is BILACHEK TAB used for?

BILACHEK TAB is an antihistamine primarily used to relieve symptoms associated with various allergic conditions. These include allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny, blocked, or itchy nose, and red, watery, or itchy eyes) and urticaria (hives, which manifest as itchy skin rashes, swelling, and redness). It works to alleviate discomfort caused by common allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold.

How does BILACHEK TAB work?

BILACHEK TAB contains bilastine, which is a second-generation antihistamine. It works by blocking the effects of a natural chemical messenger in the body called histamine. Histamine is responsible for triggering allergic symptoms, and by blocking its action, bilastine helps to reduce inflammation, itching, sneezing, and other allergy-related discomforts.

What is the usual dosage for BILACHEK TAB?

For adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over, the typical dosage is one 20 mg tablet once daily. BILACHEK TAB should be taken on an empty stomach, ideally one hour before or two hours after food or fruit juice, as food and fruit juices can reduce its absorption and effectiveness.

What are the possible side effects of BILACHEK TAB?

Common side effects of BILACHEK TAB may include headache, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, abdominal pain, sore throat, and fatigue. While generally mild and transient, if these side effects persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult your doctor. Serious allergic reactions (such as rash, severe dizziness, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, or trouble breathing) are rare but require immediate medical attention.

Is BILACHEK TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: There is limited data on the use of bilastine during pregnancy. Animal studies have not indicated direct harmful effects on reproductive toxicity, but as a precautionary measure, it is generally preferable to avoid its use during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by a doctor who has weighed the benefits against potential risks. Breastfeeding: It is unknown whether bilastine passes into human breast milk. Although bilastine is considered to have a low risk due to its non-sedating profile, it is recommended that an alternative medication might be preferred, especially when nursing a newborn or preterm infant. If used, the infant should be monitored for any signs of sedation, poor feeding, or poor weight gain.

Can BILACHEK TAB be taken with other medications?

BILACHEK TAB can interact with certain medications. It is known to interact with P-glycoprotein inhibitors such as antifungal medicines (e.g., ketoconazole), antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, rifampicin), immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine), and AIDS medications (e.g., ritonavir), which can increase the concentration of bilastine in the body and potentially raise the risk of side effects. There is also a potential for interaction with other drugs that can cause QT prolongation, affecting heart rhythm. Always inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and complementary medicines you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking BILACHEK TAB?

It is important to take BILACHEK TAB on an empty stomach, either one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice and other fruit juices, as they can reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it may increase drowsiness or dizziness. Although BILACHEK TAB is generally considered non-drowsy, some individuals may experience dizziness or sleepiness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, a heart condition (especially prolonged QT interval), or a history of allergic reactions to other antihistamines.

What happens if a dose of BILACHEK TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose of BILACHEK TAB, take it as soon as you remember, ensuring it is on an empty stomach. 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 two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

How should BILACHEK TAB be stored?

BILACHEK TAB should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. It is typically recommended to store it at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.