Bilastine - Novel anti histamine drug for allergic rhinitis

The immune system is a fundamental part of human protection against infection and disease.The immune system can occasionally lead to unfavourable reactions in the host which are known as hypersensitivity reactions. The exaggerated immune reactivity (hypersensitivity) to certain environmental substances (allergens) like airborne pollens, dust, mites, pet dander, and reactions to certain foods that normally have little effect on most people is known as allergy. The incidence of allergic disease like allergic rhinitis (AR), food borne allergy, asthma and anaphylactic reactions are prevalent in 25% of populations predominately in adolescents and adults in industrialised countries. Bilastine is a novel second-generation non-sedative, highly selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist that suppresses some allergic inflammatory processes that inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells and is approved in the treatment allergic rhinitis, urticaria and pruritus associated with skin diseases. This review covers the safety, efficacy and pharmacological aspects of Bilastine as an important product for treatment of allergic rhinitis.