Allertine (Bilastine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Allertine Used For?
Allertine contains bilastine, a non-drowsy antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms without causing significant drowsiness.
Primary Uses
Allertine is used to relieve symptoms of hayfever including sneezing, itchy runny blocked nose, and red watery itchy eyes. It also treats other forms of allergic rhinitis and may be used for itchy skin rashes such as hives or urticaria.
Good to know: Allertine is a non-drowsy antihistamine, meaning it’s less likely to cause sleepiness compared to older antihistamines.
How to Take Allertine
Allertine comes in two forms: regular tablets and meltlets that dissolve in your mouth. Both should be taken on an empty stomach for best results.
Dosage Instructions
Adults and adolescents 12 years and over: Take one tablet or one meltlet (20 mg bilastine) daily as needed to manage symptoms. For tablets: Swallow with water and may be halved along the score line if needed. For meltlets: Place in mouth where it dissolves rapidly in saliva, then swallow. May follow with water if desired. Take on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food or fruit juice, especially grapefruit juice.
Important: Food and fruit juice can interfere with how your body absorbs Allertine, so always take on an empty stomach.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Sleepiness, drowsiness or tiredness
- Dizziness
- Mild stomach upsets such as stomach or belly pain
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Vertigo (strong feeling of dizziness or spinning)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden or rapidly developing rash, swelling, itchiness or hives on skin
- Shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat or other body parts
- Fainting, collapsing or losing consciousness
Important Warnings
Before taking Allertine, make sure it’s safe for you by checking these important warnings and discussing with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Allertine
Do not use if you are allergic to bilastine or any ingredients listed. Do not give to children under 12 years of age as safety has not been established in this age group.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have kidney problems, especially if you are taking other regular medicines. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Allertine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor has specifically advised you to. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are pregnant, likely to become pregnant, or intend to breastfeed.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Allertine and affect how it works. Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid grapefruit juice when taking Allertine as it can interfere with absorption.
- Diltiazem (for high blood pressure and angina)
- Ciclosporin (immune system suppressant)
- Ketoconazole (antifungal medicine)
- Erythromycin (antibiotic)
Alcohol & Driving
Allertine has been shown not to affect driving performance in adults, but individual responses may vary.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Studies show bilastine does not affect adult driving performance. However, since medicine responses vary between individuals, check how this medicine affects you before driving or operating machinery.
Storage
Keep Allertine in a cool dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Store in original packaging until time to take. Keep away from moisture, heat, sunlight, and out of reach of children. Do not store in bathroom, near sink, in car, or on window sills.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Allertine, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact onset time, but Allertine is taken daily as required to manage symptoms, suggesting it provides ongoing relief when taken regularly.
No, Allertine must be taken on an empty stomach – at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food or fruit juice, as food can interfere with absorption.
No, avoid grapefruit juice when taking Allertine as it can interfere with how your body absorbs the medication.
The source indicates Allertine is taken ‘as required’ to manage symptoms, so you can take it when needed for symptom relief rather than on a strict daily schedule.
Yes, you can stop taking Allertine when you know you’re no longer exposed to allergy triggers or have sufficient symptom relief. It can be restarted if symptoms return.
The source doesn’t mention specific elderly precautions, but notes it’s for adults and adolescents 12 years and over. Consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Allertine is a non-drowsy antihistamine, though sleepiness is listed as a possible side effect. It has been shown not to affect adult driving performance.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.