Bilastine and Montelukast Tablet Uses: Benefits, Uses and Safety

 

There may be instances where the intake of bilastine and montelukast tablets is required for some particular allergic disorders. There may also be situations where some particular asthma cases may require montelukast tablets.

Bilastine belongs to the class of antihistamine medications, while montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist.

Since these medications have totally different ways of action, the use of both medications in combination can prescribe by the physician.

The primary uses of bilastine are allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and urticaria, while montelukast is used in asthma and allergic rhinitis in some particular cases.

But it is essential to adhere to the prescription of the health care provider.

What Are Bilastine and Montelukast?

The two drugs are absolutely different in pharmacological mechanism of action.

Bilastine

It is a second-generation antihistamine drug which is used for relief of allergic symptoms due to its ability to block histamine actions.

This drug is prescribed for treatment of allergic symptoms of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and urticaria (hives). According to the prescribing information of Bilastine 20 mg tablets, the above-mentioned indications are the ones for using bilastine in adults and adolescents above 12 years old.

Montelukast

It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that works thanks to its ability to block the actions of leukotrienes causing inflammation and bronchospasm.

This drug is used for certain indications of asthma and allergic rhinitis. It may also use for prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Since there are absolutely different mechanisms of action of the drugs, it is possible to recommend their combination to some patients.

Bilastine and Montelukast Tablet Uses

Indications for using the combination of the drugs depend on the form of the drugs, their strength, the patient’s age, symptoms, medical history, and other factors. The indications for prescription of the combination of the drugs are:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy nose
• Nasal congestion
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Allergy-related nasal symptoms
• Hives or urticaria in situations where bilastine is appropriate

Nevertheless, one should not rush and think that all bilastine-montelukast drugs are appropriate for any allergy and respiratory illness.

How does Bilastine work?

In case of an allergic reaction, a person’s body releases histamines. Histamines cause itchiness, sneezing, eye tearing, and a runny nose.

Bilastine works by inhibiting histamines at H1 receptors.

This mechanism helps to ease usual symptoms of allergies but does not affect the cause of allergy.

As per bilastine’s information provided, the drug recommend for allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and urticaria.

Is this Combination Used to Treat the Common Cold?

No.

Common cold symptoms are very similar to those of allergies and include the following:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Constriction
• Cough

However, the causes of the common cold differ from allergic rhinitis.

How Should Bilastine Be Taken?

The correct dose depends on the formulation and the patient’s age.

For one commonly approved bilastine 20 mg tablet formulation, the recommend adult and adolescent dose is 20 mg once daily. The product information states that it should taken one hour before or two hours after food or fruit juice because food can affect bilastine exposure.

However, if bilastine include in a combination tablet with montelukast, follow the instructions supply for that specific product.

Do not change the dose yourself.

How Should Montelukast Be Taken?

The drug Montelukast should taken strictly according to the prescription.

The dose depends on the age, condition of health, and type of the medication.

The drug Montelukast present in tablets, chewable tablets, and oral granules.

It is crucial to note that the patient should take into account the recommendations of their doctor and should not take extra doses of the medication because of an increase in allergy or asthma symptoms.

Important Safety Information About Montelukast

Firstly, it is necessary to discuss the boxed warning about serious neuropsychiatric events in the United States.

According to the FDA, some symptoms related to the mental health and behavior of people taking montelukast. These symptoms include: agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression, abnormal dreams, hallucinations, insomnia, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and other similar symptoms. All these symptoms can manifest in people with or without a history of psychological diseases.

If a person experiences some unusual change in mood and behavior under the influence of Montelukast, it is necessary to tell the healthcare professional about it.

Common Side Effects

Side effects may be different for each patient and are related to the particular drug and dose used.

Possible side effects that may appear after using bilastine include symptoms like:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Montelukast can also have side effects. The FDA has listed headache and certain respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms as the most common adverse effects of this drug.

Who Needs to Be Cautious While Taking These Drugs?

Discuss the following issues with your healthcare provider:

• Other drugs taken at the moment
• Your health history
• Any allergy to medications
• Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Liver or kidney disease
• Your history of any mental disorders
• Asthma or breathing problems

The right dosage of the drugs should select for children.

Do not give an adult’s prescribed drug to a child.

Bilastine and Food

Food or fruit juice may affect the absorption of bilastine.

As per the directions on the pack of bilastine 20 mg tablets, the tablets need to consume an hour before or two hours after having food or fruit juice.

This is a very significant point of difference from many other allergy medications.

In case you take a combination medication containing bilastine, please ensure that you follow the directions on its packaging.

Can Bilastine and Montelukast Be Taken Together?

The two drugs can prescribe together by your doctor.

They have their own modes of action:

Medicine	Main action	Common relevant uses
Bilastine	H1 antihistamine	Allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, urticaria
Montelukast	Leukotriene receptor antagonist	Asthma, allergic rhinitis, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction

Final Thoughts

It is important to learn about the indications for bilastine and montelukast tablets as there are differences in the mechanisms of action between the two medications.

Firstly, bilastine is one of the antihistamines that are taken for allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and urticaria, whereas montelukast associate with leukotrienes and its indications are asthma and allergic rhinitis.

This medication can prescribe to the patient in some cases; however, it is advisable to take it under the supervision of a physician.

However, it is worth noting that montelukast has some severe warnings, as this drug causes serious neuropsychiatric side effects. It is crucial to careful, particularly in cases where this drug is prescribed for allergic rhinitis and other treatment approaches should consider.