Rupa 100 mg/100 ml Oral Solution

Rupa 100 mg/100 ml oral solution from Aristopharma Limited contains Rupatadine, a newer second-generation antihistamine. It is used to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis — sneezing, runny or itchy nose, nasal blockage and itchy, watery eyes — and to control urticaria (hives) with skin itching. At usual doses it causes much less drowsiness than older allergy medicines.

Rupatadine works in two ways. First, it blocks histamine, the chemical responsible for sneezing, itching and watery discharge during an allergic reaction. Second, it blocks platelet-activating factor (PAF), another substance that contributes to nasal blockage and inflammation. This dual action helps Rupa relieve both the itchy-runny symptoms and the congestion of allergy.

Rupa 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 Rupa 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 Rupa, 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 Rupa 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 Rupa 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 Rupa 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 Rupa.

• 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 Rupa in pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice.

Store Rupa 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.