Bilastine + Montelukast
Find more information about this combination medication at the webpages for montelukast and bilastine
NA
Drug Status
Government Approvals
UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
None
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Summary
Bilastine is used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which is inflammation inside the nose caused by allergens, and urticaria, which is a skin rash. Montelukast is used to prevent asthma symptoms and treat allergic rhinitis. Both aim to improve respiratory health and reduce allergy impacts.
Bilastine works by blocking histamine receptors, which are proteins causing allergy symptoms like sneezing. Montelukast blocks leukotriene receptors, which are proteins causing inflammation and asthma symptoms. Both reduce allergy symptoms but through different mechanisms.
The usual adult dose for bilastine is 20 mg taken once daily on an empty stomach. Montelukast is typically 10 mg taken once daily, with or without food. Both are taken orally and should be taken at the same time each day for consistency.
Common side effects of bilastine include headache and drowsiness. Montelukast may cause headache, stomach pain, and in rare cases, mood changes. Both can cause headaches, but montelukast's mood changes are a unique concern.
Bilastine should be used cautiously in severe kidney problems and may interact with sedatives. Montelukast should be used cautiously in those with mental health issues due to mood changes. Both should not be used if allergic to their ingredients.
Indications and Purpose
How does combination of Bilastine and Montelukast work?
Bilastine is an antihistamine, which means it works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. It helps relieve these symptoms by preventing histamine from attaching to its receptors in the body. Montelukast, on the other hand, is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, which means it blocks leukotrienes, substances in the body that cause inflammation and constriction of airways. It is often used to prevent asthma attacks and to relieve symptoms of allergies. Both Bilastine and Montelukast are used to treat allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways. Bilastine targets histamine, while Montelukast targets leukotrienes. Despite their differences, both help reduce symptoms of allergies, making breathing easier and improving comfort.
How effective is combination of Bilastine and Montelukast?
Bilastine is an antihistamine, which is a type of medicine that helps relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. It works by blocking histamine, which is a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Montelukast, on the other hand, is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, which means it blocks substances called leukotrienes that cause asthma and allergic rhinitis, which is inflammation of the inside of the nose. Both medicines are effective in treating allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways. Bilastine is mainly used for immediate relief of allergy symptoms, while Montelukast is often used for long-term management of asthma and allergies. They both help improve quality of life for people with allergies, but Montelukast is unique in its ability to help with asthma control as well.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of combination of Bilastine and Montelukast?
The usual adult daily dose for Bilastine, which is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, is 20 milligrams taken once a day. Montelukast, which is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to prevent asthma attacks and treat allergies, is typically taken as a 10 milligram tablet once daily in the evening. Bilastine is unique because it primarily targets histamine receptors, which are involved in allergic reactions, to reduce symptoms like sneezing and itching. Montelukast is unique in that it blocks leukotrienes, which are chemicals in the body that cause asthma and allergy symptoms. Both medicines are used to manage allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways. They are both taken orally and are generally well-tolerated. However, they should be used as directed by a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How does one take combination of Bilastine and Montelukast?
Bilastine is an antihistamine, which is a type of medicine used to relieve allergy symptoms. It should be taken on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after eating, to ensure it works properly. There are no specific food restrictions, but it's important to avoid grapefruit juice, which can affect how the medicine works. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, which is a type of medicine used to prevent asthma symptoms and treat allergies. It can be taken with or without food, making it more flexible in terms of meal timing. There are no specific food restrictions for Montelukast. Both medicines are used to manage allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways. Bilastine is more focused on immediate relief, while Montelukast is used for long-term control. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions when taking these medications.
For how long is combination of Bilastine and Montelukast taken?
Bilastine is typically used for short-term relief of allergy symptoms, which include sneezing and itchy eyes, and is often taken as needed during allergy seasons. Montelukast, on the other hand, is used for long-term management of asthma, which is a condition that causes breathing difficulties, and allergic rhinitis, which refers to inflammation of the inside of the nose caused by allergens. It is usually taken daily to prevent symptoms. Both medicines are used to manage allergy-related conditions, but they work differently. Bilastine is an antihistamine, which means it blocks histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, which means it blocks substances called leukotrienes that cause asthma and allergy symptoms. Both are taken orally, but their duration of use and specific applications differ.
How long does it take for combination of Bilastine and Montelukast to work?
The time it takes for a combination medicine to start working depends on the individual medicines it contains. For example, if the combination includes ibuprofen, which is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug, it typically starts working within 20 to 30 minutes. If it includes paracetamol, which is another pain reliever, it usually begins to work within 30 to 60 minutes. Both medicines are used to relieve pain and reduce fever, which means they share these common attributes. However, ibuprofen also reduces inflammation, which is swelling and redness, while paracetamol does not. When combined, these medicines can provide a broader range of relief, addressing both pain and inflammation more effectively. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the medicine's packaging.
Warnings and Precautions
Are there harms and risks from taking combination of Bilastine and Montelukast?
Bilastine, which is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, commonly causes side effects like headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. Montelukast, which is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to manage asthma and allergies, can cause side effects such as headache, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Both medications can cause headaches as a shared side effect. Unique to Bilastine is the potential for dizziness and drowsiness, which are not typically associated with Montelukast. On the other hand, Montelukast may cause stomach pain and diarrhea, which are not common with Bilastine. Significant adverse effects of Montelukast can include mood changes and suicidal thoughts, which are serious and require immediate medical attention. Bilastine does not share these significant adverse effects. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to report any severe or unusual symptoms.
Can I take combination of Bilastine and Montelukast with other prescription drugs?
Bilastine, which is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, can interact with other medications that cause drowsiness, such as sedatives or alcohol. It is important to avoid grapefruit juice, which can increase the levels of bilastine in the blood, potentially leading to more side effects. Montelukast, which is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to manage asthma and allergies, can interact with medications like phenobarbital, which is a drug used to treat seizures, as it may reduce the effectiveness of montelukast. Both bilastine and montelukast are used to treat allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways. Bilastine blocks histamine, which is a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms, while montelukast blocks leukotrienes, which are chemicals that cause inflammation and constriction in the airways. They do not have significant interactions with each other, but always consult a healthcare provider before combining them.
Can I take combination of Bilastine and Montelukast if I am pregnant?
Bilastine, which is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, has limited data on its safety during pregnancy. It is generally advised to use it only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Montelukast, which is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to manage asthma and allergies, also has limited data on its safety during pregnancy. However, it is sometimes used when the benefits to the mother outweigh potential risks to the fetus. Both medications share the common attribute of being used to manage allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways. Bilastine blocks histamine, which is a chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms, while Montelukast blocks leukotrienes, which are chemicals that cause inflammation and constriction in the airways. Both should be used cautiously during pregnancy, and a healthcare provider should be consulted to weigh the potential benefits and risks.
Can I take combination of Bilastine and Montelukast while breastfeeding?
Bilastine, which is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, has limited information available regarding its safety during breastfeeding. It is generally advised to use it with caution, as there is not enough data to confirm its safety for nursing infants. Montelukast, which is a medication used to manage asthma and allergies, is considered to be safer during breastfeeding. It is known to pass into breast milk in small amounts, but it is not expected to harm a nursing baby. Both Bilastine and Montelukast are used to treat allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways. Bilastine blocks histamine, which is a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Montelukast blocks leukotrienes, which are chemicals in the body that cause asthma and allergy symptoms. While Montelukast is generally considered safe for breastfeeding, caution is advised with Bilastine due to limited data.
Who should avoid taking combination of Bilastine and Montelukast?
Bilastine, which is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, should not be taken with grapefruit juice as it can affect how the medicine works. It is also important to avoid alcohol while taking Bilastine, as it can increase drowsiness. Montelukast, which is used to prevent asthma attacks and treat allergies, may cause mood changes or suicidal thoughts in some people. It is crucial to inform a healthcare provider if any mood changes occur. Both Bilastine and Montelukast can cause dizziness, so it is advised to be cautious when driving or operating machinery. Additionally, both medications should be used with caution in people with liver problems. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting or stopping these medications to ensure they are safe for your specific health conditions.