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.
Headache,
drowsiness, weakness, fatigue and dizziness.