> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hi-doctor.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Bilastine 20 mg guide

> How to time bilastine away from food and fruit juice, judge your own drowsiness before driving, and tell ordinary allergy symptoms from an emergency.

Bilastine is an antihistamine tablet for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or
urticaria. It works best taken consistently away from food, and while it
is less sedating for many people than older antihistamines, it can still
cause drowsiness — so learning your own response matters before you drive
or use machinery.

## How to use

Two rules govern this tablet, and they apply together rather than in sequence.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Take 20 mg once daily on an empty stomach" icon="pill">
    Take one tablet with water, one hour before or two hours after food or
    fruit juice. Food and fruit juice reduce absorption, so keep the same
    interval every day.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Check your own alertness" icon="car">
    Bilastine can still cause drowsiness or dizziness. Learn your response
    before driving or using machinery, and avoid taking an extra
    antihistamine unless advised.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Dose schedule

<Info>
  **Daily dose** 20 mg bilastine — one tablet, taken on an empty stomach.
</Info>

Use the same fasting interval each day for the prescribed period. If a
dose is missed, take the next dose at the normal time rather than
doubling. Track nasal, eye or skin symptoms, triggers, and drowsiness —
persistent symptoms may need a diagnosis review or additional local
treatment, not a higher bilastine dose without advice.

## What has been reported

| Effect                       | Notes                         |
| ---------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Headache                     | Among the more common effects |
| Sleepiness                   | Among the more common effects |
| Dizziness, tiredness         | Can also occur                |
| Abdominal discomfort, nausea | Can also occur                |

<Warning>
  People with rhythm risk, low electrolytes, significant bradycardia, or
  QT-prolonging medicines need an individual review before taking bilastine.
  Report new palpitations or fainting to your doctor.
</Warning>

## Contact your doctor if

* Breathing difficulty, tongue or throat swelling, collapse, or rapidly
  progressing widespread hives — call emergency services
* Fainting, persistent palpitations, or a severe allergic reaction after
  the tablet
* Symptoms remain uncontrolled, drowsiness affects daily activity, or you
  feel you need another antihistamine

## Storage

Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out
of children's reach. Follow the temperature limit on your pack and do not
use it after the expiry date.

## What to expect

Bilastine blocks histamine H1 receptors and can reduce symptoms of
allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or urticaria while exposure continues. It
does not remove the trigger and is not a treatment for anaphylaxis.
Persistent or atypical symptoms should be reviewed rather than treated by
escalating the dose yourself.

## How Hi-Doctor handles it

A licensed EU doctor reviews your case and, if appropriate, issues a
prescription. See [how a consultation works](/essentials/how-it-works) and
how eligibility and safety checks work across every consultation in
[safety](/essentials/safety).

<Warning>
  This page is reference information, not medical advice and not a prescription.
  Whether a medicine is appropriate for you is decided by a registered doctor
  after reviewing your consultation.
</Warning>