Rupatadine for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria: a look at the clinical data

The second-generation antihistamine rupatadine is a new long-acting and non-sedating drug that exerts a potent dual-antagonist activity towards the histamine H1 receptor and the PAF receptor. Rupatadine is prescribed for the relief of symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and in the treatment of chronic urticaria. Clinical trials have shown that rupatadine, which shows a rapid onset of action and prolonged duration of activity, is effective and well tolerated. Safety data indicate that rupatadine does not affect the cardiovascular system, without relevant changes in the corrected QT interval, or significantly affect psychomotor activity at the doses used in clinical practice. Here, we review the efficacy and safety profile of rupatadine in patients with allergic rhinitis and urticaria.