Sign inBefore taking rupatadine
Before taking rupatadine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have kidney, liver or heart problems.
- If you suffer from epilepsy.
- If you are over 65 years of age.
- If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take rupatadine
- Before taking rupatadine, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take these tablets exactly as your doctor has told you.
- Rupatadine is taken once a day. It is best to swallow the tablets with a drink of water but it is not important whether you take them before or after food.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice at the same time as you take your rupatadine. This is because grapefruit juice alters how much rupatadine your body absorbs.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Rupatadine is called a non-drowsy antihistamine, however it can still cause drowsiness in some people. If you are affected do not drive or operate machinery or do any other jobs which would be dangerous if you are not fully alert.
- If you drink alcohol while you are taking rupatadine, be aware of its effects on you and do not drink more than moderate amounts.
Can rupatadine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness | If you are affected, do not drive or operate machinery or do other jobs which would be dangerous if you are not fully alert. It is best to avoid alcohol as this will make you more drowsy |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store rupatadine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Rupafin® 10 mg Tablets, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2009, accessed November 2010.
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)