Ebastine

Ebastine is a non-sedating antihistamine used in the treatment of allergic disorders such as hay fever, urticaria, dermatitis, and rhinitis. It is marketed under various trade names including Kestine, Ebastel, Aleva, and Ebatrol.

Pharmacology

Ebastine is a second-generation H1 histamine receptor antagonist that was discovered at Janssen Pharmaceutica in 1987. It is considered a non-sedating antihistamine as it does not enter the brain in significant amounts, and is therefore unlikely to cause drowsiness. Ebastine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver. The drug is an active metabolite, carebastine, which has a long half-life of 10–19 hours in plasma, allowing for once-daily dosing.

Clinical Use

Ebastine is used for the symptomatic treatment of allergic conditions including rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. It has been shown to be effective in a variety of clinical trials. The drug has a rapid onset of action, as it is effective within one hour of oral administration.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of ebastine are headache, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal disturbances. These side effects are usually mild and transient. Rarely, ebastine may cause cardiac arrhythmias, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart disease.

Interactions

Ebastine may interact with other drugs, particularly those that are metabolized by the same liver enzymes. These include ketoconazole, erythromycin, and diltiazem. Patients should be advised to inform their healthcare provider of all the medications they are taking.

External Links

• Drugs.com: Ebastine