Rupatadine is a long-acting, non-sedative antagonist of histamine H1-receptors. It also antagonizes the platelet-activating factor (PAF). Both histamine and PAF cause bronchoconstriction which leads to an increase in the vascular permeability and act as a mediator in the inflammatory process.

Description

Rupatadine is a long-acting, non-sedative antagonist of histamine H1-receptors. It also antagonizes the platelet-activating factor (PAF). Both histamine and PAF cause bronchoconstriction which leads to an increase in the vascular permeability and act as a mediator in the inflammatory process. Rupatadine possesses other 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 tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) in human mastocytes and monocytes.

Presentation

    Rupa Tablet: Each tablet contains Rupatadine Fumarate INN equivalent to Rupatadine 10 mg.
    Rupa Oral Solution: Each 5 ml oral solution contains Rupatadine Fumarate INN equivalent to Rupatadine 5 mg.

Indications

    Rupatadine is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of seasonal & perennial allergic rhinitis and urticaria.

Dosage & Administration

    Rupa Tablet: The recommended dosage is 10 mg once daily, with or without food.
    Rupa Oral Solution: Children aged 2 to 11 year: Children weighing 25 kg or more : 1 teaspoonful (5 ml) of oral solution once daily with or without food. Children weighing equal or more than 10 kg to less than 25 kg: 1/2 teaspoonful (2.5 ml) oral solution once daily with or without food.

Contrainidications

    Hypersensitivity to Rupatadine or to any of the excipients.

Warning & Precautions

    Administration of a dose of 10 mg daily of Rupatadine has not shown significant effects on the function of the central nervous system as seen in specific studies done for psychomotor function. Nevertheless, the patient should take precaution in driving or managing machines.

Side effects

    The most common undesirable effects are sleepiness, general weakness & fatigue. Other uncommon undesirable effects include, dyspepsia, rash and increased appetite.

Drug interaction

    CYP3A4 inhibitors like Erythromycin & Ketoconazole inhibits both the presystemic and systemic metabolism of Rupatadine. Due to this potential interaction, it is not recommended to use Rupatadine in combination with Ketoconazole or any other inhibitors of CYP3A4. Coadministration of Rupatadine and CNS depressants or alcohol may increase CNS depressant effect.

Use in special groups

    Pregnancy & Lactation: Pregnancy category B2 (by TGA, Australia). There is no clinical data available on the exposure of Rupatadine during pregnancy. Pregnant women should therefore not use Rupatadine, unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk for the fetus. No information is available, whether Rupatadine is excreted in the mother's milk. Therefore, it should not be used during lactation, unless the potential benefits for the mother justify the potential risk to the infant.
    Patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency: Use of Rupatadine is not recommended in patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency, as no relevant clinical data is available.

Packing

    Rupa Tablet: Each box contains 50's tablets.
    Rupa Oral Solution: Each bottle contains 60 ml oral solution.