Rupatadine - oral

Rupatadine helps relieve symptoms of allergies such as runny nose, itch, watery eyes, and sneezing.

This medicine also helps relieve allergic skin conditions such as hives and itchy rash.

Take Rupatadine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Rupatadine is available as a tablet or oral solution.

If you are taking the oral solution, follow these steps:

1. Open the bottle by pressing the cap and turning it anticlockwise.
2. Use the measuring device (e.g. oral syringe) supplied with each bottle.
3. To use the oral syringe, insert it into the perforated stopper and turn the bottle upside down.
4. Fill in the syringe with the appropriate dose.
5. Administer the medicine directly from the oral syringe.
6. Wash the oral syringe after use.

You may stop taking this medicine once you feel better, unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart disease e.g. slow or abnormal heartbeat, reduced blood flow to your heart
• hypokalaemia (low potassium level in the blood)
• liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Rupatadine to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Rupatadine may cause any of the following side effects: 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.

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.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol, grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Keep tablets in their original package to protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.