Efficacy of Bilastine in the Management of Urticaria- A Retrospective Study

Background: Urticaria or hives is a common skin condition with a lifetime prevalence of 7.8–22.3%, a point prevalence of 0.5- 1.0%. This study focuses to determine the efficacy of bilastine in combination with other antihistamines or corticosteroids in the treatment and symptomatic relief from Urticaria in Indian patients. Objective: A retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of bilastine in the management of Urticaria in an Indian population. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on 99 patients (7 children and 92 adults) with urticaria. Bilastine, 20 mg once daily, was given in patients with other antihistamines such as levocetirizine, fexofenadine, and corticosteroids. The treatment outcome was assessed as recovered, unchanged, worsened, change in therapy, or lost to follow-up. Results: Bilastine was prescribed at 20 mg dose orally either once daily (91 patients) or twice daily (2 patients). About six patients were given bilastine in syrup formulation at a dose of 5 mL (2.5 mg/mL), OD. Out of the 99 patients, most (77/99- 77.78%) reported recovery during the follow-up visit. Seven patients were still on treatment, six patients still had rashes on exposure to the sun, one patient had rashes while swimming, three patients had no recovery, and four were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Bilastine (20 mg OD), a new generation non-sedating H1-antihistamine, was highly effective in treating urticaria when given in combination with other second-generation antihistamines.