Rupatadine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy
symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, and sneezing.
It is also used to relieve itching and hives. It works by blocking a
certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an
allergic reaction.
Rupatadine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a
serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis). If your doctor has
prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your
epinephrine injector with you. Do not use rupatadine in place of your
epinephrine.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking rupatadine and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Children's dosage is based on
weight and age.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct
dose.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice
while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may
do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this
medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Drowsiness or headache may occur. If either of these
effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking rupatadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- certain genetic enzyme problems (galactose/fructose
intolerance, lactase/sucrase deficiency, glucose-galactose
malabsorption)
Rupatadine may cause a condition that affects the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely
fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using rupatadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics "water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using rupatadine safely.
This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of rupatadine
from your body, which may affect how rupatadine works. Examples include
azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as
erythromycin), rifamycins (such as rifabutin), St. John's wort, drugs used
to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among
others.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make
sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.