Issues for surgery
Loss of symptomatic relief of allergic rhinitis, hay fever and urticaria if omitted.
Advice in the perioperative period
Elective and emergency surgery
Continue.
Post-operative advice
If taken regularly, restart post-operatively as soon as next dose is due; otherwise restart when symptoms develop.
Interactions with common anaesthetic agents
None.
Interactions with other common medicines used in the perioperative period
Macrolides
Clarithromycin and erythromycin are predicted to increase the exposure to bilastine through P-glycoprotein.
Whilst single surgical prophylactic doses should not pose a problem in patients taking bilastine, monitor for side effects if a prolonged course is required.
Further information
None relevant.
References
Baxter K, Preston CL (eds), Stockley’s Drug Interactions (online) London: Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 2nd February 2021]
Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (online) London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 2nd February 2021]
Summary of Product Characteristics – Ilaxten (bilastine) 20 mg tablets®. A. Menarini Farmaceutica Internazionale SRL. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk 2/2/2021 [date of revision of the text August 2019]