Rupatadine

Rupatadine is a second-generation antihistamine with paf-antagonist activity medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

Rupatadine is prescribed for:

• Allergic rhinitis — seasonal and perennial (year-round) allergy with sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, blocked nose and eye symptoms
• Urticaria (hives) — including chronic idiopathic urticaria with itching and wheals
• Other allergic conditions where the doctor finds an antihistamine with anti-PAF action useful

It is suitable for adults and adolescents, and in some preparations for children, as decided by the physician.

Adults and adolescents (12 years and above): the usual dose of Rupatadine is 10 mg once daily, with or without food. Take it at about the same time every day.

Children: for younger children, the dose and formulation (such as oral solution) depend on body weight and must be decided by a doctor.

Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Rupatadine, as it can raise the level of the medicine in your blood. The doctor will decide how long treatment should continue based on your symptoms.

Most people tolerate Rupatadine well. Possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness or sleepiness (usually mild), headache, dizziness
• Tiredness, weakness
• Dry mouth
• Increased appetite, nausea or stomach discomfort (less common)
• Rarely: palpitations, fast heartbeat, rash or raised liver enzymes

If you develop severe allergic symptoms — widespread rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing — stop Rupatadine and seek medical care immediately.

• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice — it can significantly increase rupatadine levels in the blood.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, a known long QT interval, very slow heart rate, or low blood potassium — caution is needed.
• Use carefully in kidney or liver impairment; your doctor may prefer an alternative.
• See how Rupatadine affects you before driving or operating machinery, as some people feel drowsy.
• Avoid alcohol, which can increase sleepiness.
• Elderly patients should use it under medical supervision.

Important interactions of Rupatadine include:

• Ketoconazole and erythromycin — these markedly increase rupatadine blood levels; avoid the combination unless the doctor advises.
• Grapefruit juice — raises drug levels; avoid completely during treatment.
• Alcohol and CNS depressants (sleeping pills, sedatives) — may add to drowsiness.
• Other CYP3A4 inhibitors (some antifungals and antibiotics) — tell your doctor about every medicine you take.

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist of your full medicine list before starting Rupatadine.

• Known hypersensitivity to Rupatadine or any component of the preparation
• Concurrent use with ketoconazole or erythromycin should be avoided
• Use with caution, only on medical advice, in patients with significant heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation), uncorrected low potassium, or severe liver/kidney disease
• Not recommended for children below the approved age for the specific formulation

Data on Rupatadine use in human pregnancy are limited, so it is best avoided during pregnancy unless the doctor decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. It is not known with certainty how much passes into breast milk; breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor, who may recommend a better-studied antihistamine instead. Never start or continue Rupatadine in pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice.

Store Rupatadine below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep in the original packaging and out of the reach of children. Do not use beyond the expiry date on the pack.