The safety and tolerability profile of bilastine for chronic urticaria in children

BACKGROUND: Urticaria is a condition defined by the development of wheals, angioedema or both. It is classified based on its duration as acute (≤ 6 weeks) or chronic (> 6 weeks). Chronic urticaria is less frequent than acute one in children, but it represents a debilitating condition, always needing treatment. Symptoms affect child’s daily activities and disturb sleeping patterns, causing emotional distress and negatively influencing learning and cognition. Therefore, the management of chronic urticaria must point to a complete control of symptoms, taking into account tolerability and the patient quality of life. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: The recently revised version of EAACI/GA(2)LEN/EDF/WAO guideline on the management of urticaria, in addition to recommending the use of second-generation H(1) antihistamines as the treatment of choice, gives particular attention to their use in the paediatric population. Bilastine has been studied in children; at the dose of 10 mg/once daily, it is licenced for the symptomatic relief of urticaria in children ≥ 6 to 11 years, in the European Union, in appropriate formulation, as oral solution or orodispersible tablet. CONCLUSIONS: In line with the recent guideline recommendation for the use of second generation H(1) antihistamines in children we have reviewed the safety and tolerability profile of bilastine in children with chronic urticaria.