Description

Rupatadine fumarate has been approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria in adults and children over 12 years. The defined daily dose (DDD) is 10 mg orally.

Rupatadine is a second generation, non-sedating, long-acting histamine antagonist with selective peripheral H₁ receptor antagonist activity. It further blocks the receptors of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) according to in vitro and in vivo studies.^[2]

Rupatadine possesses anti-allergic properties such as the inhibition of the degranulation of mast cells induced by immunological and non-immunological stimuli, and inhibition of the release of cytokines, particularly of the TNF in human mast cells and monocytes.

Rupatadine is a once-daily, non-sedating, selective and long-acting new drug with a strong antagonist activity towards both histamine H(1) receptors and platelet-activating factor receptors. The use of rupatadine is indicated in adult and adolescent patients (> 12 years of age) suffering from intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. In the treatment of these diseases, rupatadine is at least as effective as ebastine, cetirizine, loratadine and desloratadine. A very good safety profile of rupatadine has been evidenced in various studies, including a long-term (1-year) safety study.

SIDE EFFECTS

Headache, drowsiness, weakness, fatigue and dizziness.