Maxtra / Bilaxten Tablet: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Bilastine Tablet (Maxtra / Bilaxten) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Bilastine? (Bilastine kya hai)

Bilastine (Maxtra, Bilaxten) is a 2nd-generation non-sedating antihistamine used in Pakistan for allergic rhinitis and urticaria (hives — allergic skin rash). It selectively blocks peripheral H1 histamine receptors and does not cross the blood-brain barrier — so drowsiness does not occur. Once daily dosing and 24-hour duration make it convenient.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Allergic rhinitis — seasonal and perennial: runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching, watery eyes, nasal congestion
• Urticaria / hives
• Angioedema (mild swelling — doctor supervised)
• Other allergic conditions

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Adults and teenagers (adolescents) with allergic rhinitis symptoms
• Patients with urticaria / hives needing non-sedating relief
• Patients who need to drive or work requiring alertness (vs 1st-gen antihistamines)
• Patients on multiple medications who want fewer CYP450 interactions

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic emergency) — antihistamine alone is not sufficient; adrenaline (epinephrine) is necessary
• Known hypersensitivity to bilastine
• Severe renal / hepatic impairment without doctor supervision
• Pregnancy — only under doctor's guidance
• Children (small) — consult doctor for appropriate paediatric formulation

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• 20mg once daily — ON EMPTY STOMACH (empty stomach) or at bedtime

• Food and fruit juice significantly reduce bilastine absorption (~30% bioavailability loss). Take at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals — or at bedtime (easiest option).

• Take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• ON EMPTY STOMACH or at bedtime — this is the most important instruction
• Swallow with water
• Do NOT take with fruit juice (orange, grapefruit, apple) — risk of P-gp inhibition and absorption reduction

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• Bedtime is the best time — stomach is empty, no interference with sleep, and 24-hour coverage lasts until morning
• Or first thing in the morning on an empty stomach immediately after waking

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

• ALWAYS take on an empty stomach — this is bilastine's most important administration instruction. Taking it after food significantly reduces bilastine's effect (~30% absorption reduction confirmed in pharmacokinetic studies). Taking it at bedtime is an easy and effective routine.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Taking bilastine with food or fruit juice significantly reduces its efficacy — providing inadequate protection in emergencies such as anaphylaxis. Always take on an empty stomach.

• In severe allergic reactions (throat swelling, breathing difficulty, BP drop — anaphylaxis), antihistamine alone is not sufficient. Adrenaline and immediate hospital attendance are necessary.

• With Ketoconazole or erythromycin, bilastine levels may modestly increase — use caution in cardiac patients, especially if there is a risk of QT prolongation.

• Limited safety data. Use only under doctor's guidance during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Bilastine is considerably less sedating than 1st-gen antihistamines — but individual response may vary. Assess alertness after the first dose.

• Minimal interaction — but caution in individuals sensitive to CNS effects

• Below 30°C, cool and dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of the reach of children

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Headache
• Nasopharyngitis
• Minimal sedation (considerably less than 1st-gen)

• QT prolongation
• Hypersensitivity / allergic reaction to bilastine itself (rare — rash, swelling, difficulty breathing — stop and seek help)

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• Ketoconazole / Erythromycin — P-gp and transport inhibition → bilastine exposure may increase; minor QT concern — but bilastine is not metabolized by CYP450 so interaction is relatively modest vs other antihistamines
• Fruit juice (orange, grapefruit, apple) — P-gp inhibition AND reduces absorption; separate administration timing (at least 1 hour gap)
• Alcohol — minimal additive CNS effect — but less than 1st-generation antihistamines
• QT-prolonging drugs — use caution in cardiac patients

Bilastine key advantage: not metabolized by CYP450 — so interactions with drugs such as cimetidine and warfarin are significantly less than with older antihistamines.

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Severe allergic reaction / anaphylaxis — IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY — adrenaline + hospital
• Allergy symptoms not improving after 2 weeks — consider allergen avoidance or immunotherapy
• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations) — consult doctor
• Skin rash or swelling after taking bilastine (hypersensitivity to drug itself) — stop and see doctor

15. Alternatives (Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

Price varies by pharmacy and city. Confirm the updated price at your local pharmacy or licensed online pharmacies (dawaai.pk, sehat.com.pk).

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Bilastine kis kaam aata hai?

A: Bilastine (Maxtra / Bilaxten) is used for allergic rhinitis and urticaria (skin rash / hives). It is a 2nd-generation non-sedating antihistamine that works for 24 hours.

Q: Bilastine neend kyun nahi lata?

A: Bilastine does not cross the blood-brain barrier — the P-glycoprotein efflux transporter keeps it out of the brain — so significant sedation does not occur. This is what makes it different from 1st-generation antihistamines (chlorpheniramine).

Q: Bilastine khane se pehle kyun lena chahiye?

A: Bilastine absorption is significantly reduced by food and fruit juice (~30% reduction in bioavailability). It is therefore necessary to take it on an empty stomach — 30 minutes before meals or at bedtime.

Q: Bilastine price Pakistan mein kya hai?

A: Bilastine (Maxtra / Bilaxten) price in Pakistan varies by pharmacy and brand. Confirm the updated price at your local pharmacy or an online platform.

Q: Bilastine aur cetirizine mein kya farq hai?

A: Bilastine key advantages: more non-sedating, not metabolized by CYP450 (fewer drug interactions), 24-hour duration. Cetirizine is cheaper and widely available but mild sedation is possible. Both are effective antihistamines.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.