Rupafin 10mg 10s

What is Rupafin® used for​​​?

Rupafin® contains the active ingredient Rupatadine. Rupatadine belongs to a group of medications known as antihistamines, which are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever, itch, runny nose and other types of allergies. It works by blocking the effects of a substance called histamine, which causes allergy symptoms.

Rupafin® is a rapid-acting, non-drowsy antihistamine which provides 24-hour relief from itching, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes.

Drowsy vs. non-drowsy antihistamines (Rupafin®)

Drowsy antihistamines include Chlorpheniramine and Hydroxyzine. These medicines may be used to improve your sleep should your sleep be disturbed by itching.

Non-drowsy antihistamines are newer medicines which include Rupafin® (Rupatadine), Zyrtec-R® (Cetirizine), Telfast® (Fexofenadine), and Clarityn® (Loratadine). These medicines allow you to continue with your day-to-day activities without affecting your ability to concentrate.

Depending on your symptoms, the doctor may prescribe you a sedating or non-sedating antihistamine.

Why choose Rupafin® over other non-drowsy antihistamines?

Multiple clinical studies have shown that Rupafin® works better than other non-drowsy antihistamines. For instance, Rupafin® was shown to be 24 times more potent than Zyrtec-R® (Cetirizine) and 75 times more potent than Clarityn® (Loratadine) in antihistaminic activity, reducing allergy symptoms to a larger extent.

Dosage and how to use​

• Follow the instructions on your medication label and use this medication as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the maximum dose advised by the doctor. 
• It can be prescribed regularly or on an as-needed basis depending on the severity of your condition.
• Rupafin® only needs to be taken once daily as it is effective for 24h.
• Rupafin® may be taken with or without food.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What are the possible side effects of Rupafin®?

Rupafin® is generally well tolerated. Some possible side effects reported include headache, dizziness, sleepiness, vomiting, dry mouth, tiredness or weakness, and cough.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to antihistamines or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Rupafin®?

Do not take grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on Rupafin®. Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• Cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. simvastatin, lovastatin
• Midazolam (medicine that can cause drowsiness or relieve anxiety)
• Diltiazem (medicine for chest pain or high blood pressure)
• Medicines for HIV infection
• Medicines used to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole
• Medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus
• Certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
• Cisapride (medicine used for stomach disorder)
• Nefazodone (medicine to treat depression)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rupatadine.

Handling and storage

• ​Keep your medicines in the original container or packaging, tightly closed or sealed in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the medicine out of reach of children.
• Throw away all expired medicines.

The above information answers some common questions about this medicine. It does not contain all the available information. It also does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

References

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01640.x

https://www.mims.com/singapore/drug/info/rupatadine/patientmedicine/rupatadine