Bilastine

Bilastine is an antihistamine medication used to treat hives (urticaria), allergic rhinitis and itchy inflamed eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) caused by an allergy. It is a second-generation antihistamine and takes effect by selectively inhibiting the histamine H1 receptor, preventing these allergic reactions. Bilastine has an effectiveness similar to cetirizine, fexofenadine, and desloratadine. Bilastine was discovered by the Spanish firm FAES Farma and received its first approval in the European Union in 2010 for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. It is also approved in Canada and Australia. As of 2023, it remained unapproved for any use in the United States, although Hikma Pharmaceuticals had agreed in 2021 to begin the FDA approval process. Evidence has shown that bilastine is effective in treating skin and eye symptoms of allergic reactions, improving patient's quality of life. Bilastine meets the treatment criteria for allergic rhinitis, as published by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative.