Bilazest M Tablet

Bilazest M Tablet by Abbott

Name

• Brand Name: Bilazest M Tablet
• Common Name: Bilastine and Montelukast Tablets

Composition

Each tablet contains:

• Bilastine: 20 mg
• Montelukast: 10 mg

Uses

Bilazest M Tablet is a combination medicine primarily used for managing various allergic conditions. It provides relief from symptoms associated with:

• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Helps relieve sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itching, and watery eyes.
• Seasonal Allergies: Manages discomfort and symptoms caused by seasonal allergens.
• Asthma: Reduces swelling in the airways, making it easier to breathe, and helps manage asthma attacks by reducing inflammation.

Dosage and Administration

• Typical Guidance: Usually taken once daily.
• Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
• Timing: It should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals, as food can affect its absorption.
• Consistency: Try to take it at a fixed time each day, preferably in the evening, to maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.
• Duration: Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, even if symptoms improve.
• Pediatric Use: Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Side Effects

While taking Bilazest M Tablet, some individuals may experience:

• Common Side Effects: Headache, abdominal pain, dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, cough, diarrhea, and otitis media. These are usually mild and may resolve on their own.
• Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe allergic reactions, skin redness and swelling, or mood/behavior changes such as aggression, depression, or thoughts of self-harm.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not use if you are allergic to bilastine, montelukast, or any other ingredients in the tablet.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease. It is not indicated for acute asthmatic attacks.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before using if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Caution is advised.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking this medicine, as it may increase drowsiness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness or sleepiness; therefore, caution is advised when driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Drug Interactions:
  • Avoid taking with fruit juices (e.g., grapefruit, orange, apple) as they can reduce the absorption of bilastine.
  • Maintain at least a 2-hour gap between taking Bilazest M Tablet and indigestion remedies containing magnesium or aluminum.
  • Sedative medicines and other anti-allergic medications may increase the risk of drowsiness when taken with Bilazest M Tablet.
• Allergy Testing: Stop taking Bilazest M Tablet at least three days before an allergy test, as it can affect the test results.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place, below 30°C, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

BILAZEST M TABLET is a combination medication containing Bilastine (20 mg) and Montelukast (10 mg), primarily used for managing allergic conditions and asthma symptoms.

What is Bilazest M Tablet used for?

Bilazest M Tablet is used to manage symptoms of allergic rhinitis (such as hay fever, seasonal, and perennial allergies), including sneezing, runny or itchy nose, watery eyes, and nasal congestion. It also helps in controlling asthma symptoms by reducing airway inflammation and can be used to prevent exercise-induced breathing difficulties. It is not intended for treating sudden asthma attacks.

How does Bilazest M Tablet work?

This medicine works through its two active ingredients: Bilastine and Montelukast. Bilastine is an anti-allergic medication that blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical messenger that triggers allergic responses like itching, swelling, and rashes. Montelukast inhibits the action of leukotrienes, which are other chemical messengers in the body that cause inflammation in the airways, thereby helping to reduce swelling, mucus production, and airway narrowing.

What is the usual dosage for Bilazest M Tablet?

The usual adult dosage is one tablet once daily, as prescribed by your doctor. It is often recommended to take it in the evening. Some sources advise taking it on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food, and avoiding fruit juices around the time of dosing, as they can reduce the absorption of Bilastine.

What are the possible side effects of Bilazest M Tablet?

Common side effects may include headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sleep disturbances, dry mouth, dizziness, cough, nasal irritation, sore throat, and drowsiness. Rare but serious side effects can include mood and behavior changes (such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or vivid dreams) and severe allergic reactions. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, or any mood changes, consult your doctor immediately.

Is Bilazest M Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Caution is advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is important to consult your doctor before taking Bilazest M Tablet if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as the safety profile during these periods is not fully established and both medications pass into breast milk in small amounts.

Can Bilazest M Tablet be taken with other medications?

Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Sedative medicines, other antihistamines, and certain antibiotics or antifungal medications may interact with Bilazest M Tablet, potentially increasing drowsiness or altering its effectiveness. It is also advised to avoid taking it with indigestion medicines containing magnesium or aluminium, as they can reduce its efficacy. Additionally, avoid grapefruit juice as it can interfere with the medicine's effect.

What precautions should be taken while using Bilazest M Tablet?

Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking this medicine, as it may increase drowsiness and dizziness. Exercise caution if driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you, as it can cause dizziness or drowsiness. This medication is not for acute asthma attacks; use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed for sudden breathing problems. Inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or heart conditions, asthma, or a history of mental health conditions.

What happens if a dose of Bilazest M Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose, 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 make up for the missed one.

How should Bilazest M Tablet be stored?

Store Bilazest M Tablet in a cool, dry place below 30°C, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it in its original packaging and out of the sight and reach of children and pets.