If you, a friend, or a family member have been recently diagnosed with urticaria and are prescribed Blexten, keep reading this article to know more about the causes, symptoms, and types of urticaria.
Also, this article will explain how Blexten can help control urticaria, precautions, and instructions while taking the medication and its side effects.
Urticaria - what is it and what does it look like?
Urticaria is itchy, red raised bumps (welts) that occur due to skin reaction. The bumps differ in size and come and go as the reaction runs its course. Urticaria is also commonly known as hives. In most cases, they are triggered by an allergic reaction to food, medications, stress, or an irritant in the environment. At times, hives may appear without any cause.
Urticaria can be uncomfortable, and they may disturb your daily activities or sleep.
Causes of different types of urticaria
When an allergen (a substance that causes an allergic reaction) comes in contact with your body, it causes the release of histamine and other natural chemicals in the body. These chemicals cause swelling, itching, red bumps, and other symptoms. Urticaria is a common reaction that occurs due to these allergens.
Many times, the cause of the urticaria is unknown. However, certain substances may cause urticaria that includes:
- Medicines
- Autoimmune disorders
- Leukemia
- Wearing tight clothes
- Extreme weather conditions
- Exercise
- Pollen
- Fish
- Emotional stress
- Exposure to water
- Insect bites
- Eggs
- Milk
- Animal dander
- Shellfish
- Other food items
- Excessive sweating
Urticaria symptoms
The symptoms of urticaria include:
- Itching
- Batches of red or skin-colored welts that appear on the skin, which come and go repeatedly
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids, or throat may occur at the same time
- Red raised welt-like bumps that flare with triggers such as heat, exercise, and stress
Types of urticaria
There are various types of urticaria, which are described as follows:
- Chronic hives: Chronic hives do not have an identifiable cause and are ongoing for longer than 6 weeks. They can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition.
- Allergic reactions: It is the most common type of urticaria that is caused by an allergen.
- Temperature-induced hives: Many times, temperature changes can also cause urticaria in people who are sensitive to such changes. Both hot and cold weather can induce urticaria.
- Dermatographism: This is an acute form of urticaria caused by excessive continuous pressure on the skin or scratching. This type of urticaria typically clears up on its own.
- Anaphylaxis: It is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. The allergic reaction often causes difficulty in breathing, vomiting, nausea, severe swelling, and dizziness.
- Infection-induced hives: Viral and bacterial infections can both cause this type of urticaria.
How Blexten helps to control the effect of urticaria, use, and dosage
Blexten belongs to the antihistamine class of medication. As you’ll remember, histamine is a natural chemical released by your body that is responsible for the symptoms of urticaria. Blexten works by blocking the action of histamine. Blexten can be prescribed alone or combined with other drugs of similar action to reduce allergies or urticaria. Blexten does not cure urticaria. However, it is used to treat its symptoms. Blexten also provides relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, watery eyes, itchy nose, or throat.
Blexten use for urticaria
Blexten is available as a tablet. It is usually prescribed once a day to be taken on an empty stomach, or you can take the medications 2 hours after a meal. When Blexten is taken with food, it reduces the drug's effectiveness. Avoid consuming fruit juice 1 hour before taking medication and 2 hours after the medication is taken.
You should follow the instructions on the prescription label. You can ask your healthcare provider any questions you have. Take Blexten as directed by your pharmacist or physician. Do not take more or less than prescribed.
If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember it. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. If you realize you missed a dose when it is almost time for the next one, skip the dose you missed and continue with the next one.
Blexten Dosage for Urticaria
The most common recommended dose for adults and children above 12 years of age is one tablet to be taken orally once daily. Each tablet contains 20 mg of bilastine. Bilastine is the active ingredient and is the generic name for Blexten. Your doctor may individualize the dosage you need. Talk to them to understand what dosage will work best for your specific situation.
Blexten side effects
Like all medications, Blexten also has some side effects. You may not experience any side effects. You should inform your physician if the below mentioned side effects are severe or do not go away:
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Stomach pain
Some of the side effects can be serious. You should inform your physician immediately if you experience it:
- Fainting
- Signs of heart problems (fast, irregular heartbeat)
- Chest pain
- Sudden weight gain
- Leg swelling
- Difficulty in breathing
Blexten may cause other side effects. Call your health care professional if you experience any unusual or persistent effects while on treatment with the medication.
Other precautions while on Blexten
Please inform your doctor or pharmacist about being allergic to Blexten or any of its ingredients. If you have any other allergies, do not forget to share the same with your healthcare professional.
Inform your healthcare provider about other prescription, non-prescription medications, and nutritional supplements that you are taking. Also, inform them about vitamins and herbal supplements you are taking or planning to take.
Inform your doctor if you have pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of adrenal glands).
Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, as Blexten is eliminated from the body through the kidneys.
Blexten should not be used by children below 12 years of age.
Blexten interaction with alcohol is not known. You should consult your physician before you consume alcoholic beverages.
Inform your physician if you are taking any of the below-mentioned medications:
- Ketoconazole
- Rifampicin
- Diltiazem
- Erythromycin
- Ritonavir
- Ciclosporin
Blexten and pregnancy
You should inform your physician if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while on treatment with Blexten, inform your doctor. Currently, there is no information available regarding if Blexten is safe to use during pregnancy.
