What is Ebastel® (Ebastin)?
Ebastel® contains the active ingredient ebastin, an antihistaminic agent of the second generation. It is used to treat seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Ebastin is converted in the liver to the active metabolite Carebastin, which is responsible for the antihistaminergic action. Carebastin has a particularly long half-life of 15–19 hours, which ensures reliable 24-hour activity.
Ebastel® is available as a melt tablet and as a conventional film tablet. The melt tablet dissolves on the tongue and can be taken without water – practically for on the go.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Ebastin
Ebastin acts on its active metabolite Carebastin:
Active mechanism:
- Ebastin is converted into carebastin in the liver by CYP3A4
- Carebastin selectively blocks the peripheral H1 histamine receptors
- inhibits itching, sneezing, nase secretion and eye tears
- Hard penetration of blood-brain barrier
Pharmacokinetics:
- Resorption: Fast after oral administration
- Active metabolite: Carebastin (long half-life 15–19 hours)
- Steady State after 3–5 days of regular intake
- food increases the intake easily
Clinical effect:
- Entry into effect: within 1–3 hours
- duration of action: 24 hours and longer
- Good efficacy in nasal and ocular symptoms
Who is it suitable for?
Ebastin is suitable for:
- Adults and young people from 12 years
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Perennial allergic rhinitis
- Chronic idiopathic urticaria
Especially recommended at:
- Patients who want discreet intake (melt tablet without water)
- If a long-acting antihistaminic is desired
- Patients who need to stay active during the day
Not suitable:
- Children under 12 years
- Heavy liver failure
- Simultaneous intake of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, Itraconazole)
- hypersensitivity to ebastin
Available Dosages
Adults and young people aged 12:
- Standard dose: 10 mg once a day
- If necessary: 20 mg once a day (after medical instruction)
Available dosage forms:
- Ebastel® 10 mg film tablets
- Ebastel® 20 mg film tablets
- Ebastel® 10 mg melt tablets (solve on the tongue)
- Ebastel® 20 mg melt tablets
Dosis adjustment:
- For light to medium liver failure: 10 mg daily
- Heavy liver failure: contraindicated
- Kidney insufficiency: No adjustment required
How to Take
Film tablets:
- Suck once a day with some water
- Regardless of meals (food increases intake easily)
melting tablets:
- Put on the tongue without water
- disintegrate within seconds
- Ideal for traveling or for swallowing
Important notes:
- Always take at the same time
- Regular intake during pollen season
- Do not take more than recommended dose
- Forgotten dose: Take next regular dose
Tip: The melt tablet is especially convenient for acute allergy symptoms, since no water is required.
Contraindications
**Ebastin must not be taken at:* *
- hypersensitivity to ebastin
- Heavy liver failure
- Known QT extension or simultaneous QT extending medication
- simultaneous use of ketoconazole or Itraconazole (CYP3A4 inhibition)
Preview at:
- Light to medium liver failure
- Hypokaliemia (low potassium)
- Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium)
- Bradykardie (slow heartbeat)
- Heart rhythm disorders in prehistory
pregnant and breastfeeding: No sufficient data. In pregnancy only after strict use-risk weighing. Not recommended in breastfeeding.
Possible Side Effects
Family (1–10 %):
- Headaches
- Mouth dryness
- Sleepiness (same in recommended dosage)
** Occasionally (0.1-1 %):* *
- Squeeze
- stomach pain
- nausea
- Sleep disorders
- nasal sinusitis
Selten:
- QT extension (especially at high doses or CYP3A4 inhibitors)
- Sensitivity reactions
- Liver malfunction
- Tachycardia
Important: Ebastin has a good safety profile in the recommended dosage of 10–20 mg. At higher doses or in combination with CYP3A4 inhibitors, the risk of QT extension increases.
Interactions
Contraint with:
- Ketoconazole, Itraconazole (strong CYP3A4 inhibitors → increased ebastin levels and QT risk)
Preview at:
- Erythromycin, Clarithromycin (moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor → mirror increase)
- Other QT-extending medications (e.g. certain antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics)
- Grapefruit juice (CYP3A4 inhibition → light mirror increase)
No relevant interaction with:
- Alcohol (no clinically relevant amplification of sedation)
- Food (light improvement of intake)
- diazepam, cimetidine
** Ebastin is metabolized via CYP3A4. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are contraindicated. Tell your doctor about all current medicines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is Ebastel® (Ebastin) right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.