Monarupa

Indications

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever and year-round allergy): sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes
• Chronic urticaria (long-lasting hives): itching and raised itchy rash

How It Works

Rupatadine is a newer, less sedating antihistamine. It blocks histamine at H1 receptors and also blocks another allergy chemical called platelet-activating factor (PAF), which together reduce sneezing, itching, swelling and redness.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults and children 12 years and over: 10 mg once a day.
• Children 2 to 11 years: the oral solution, dosed by body weight, as prescribed.

Take with or without food, at about the same time each day. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Interactions

• Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Erythromycin and Clarithromycin can greatly raise rupatadine levels and should be avoided with it.
• Grapefruit juice can raise levels; avoid it.
• Alcohol, sleeping tablets and other sedating medicines may increase drowsiness.
• Statins (such as Atorvastatin or Simvastatin): rare muscle problems; report unexplained muscle pain.

Contraindications

Allergy to rupatadine or any ingredient of the product.

Side Effects

Common: drowsiness, headache, dizziness, dry mouth and tiredness. Less common: increased appetite, stomach upset and muscle pain.

Get urgent medical help if there is swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or fainting.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is limited information, so it is best avoided in pregnancy unless the doctor advises it. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk; it is not recommended while breastfeeding unless the doctor advises.

Precautions and Warnings

• Some people feel drowsy; do not drive or use machines if affected.
• Use with care in people over 65.
• Tell the doctor about heart rhythm problems (such as a long QT interval), low potassium, or liver or kidney disease; it is generally not recommended in serious liver or kidney disease.

Overdose

Too much may cause marked drowsiness, dizziness, headache and possibly heart rhythm changes. Seek medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Second-generation (non-sedating) antihistamine, H1 receptor and PAF antagonist.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.