Rupatadine for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria

Abstract

Allergies are a widespread group of diseases of civilization and most patients are still undertreated. Since histamine is considered to be the most important mediator in allergies such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria, the most commonly used drugs to treat these disorders are antihistamines acting on the histamine 1 (H1) receptor. The currently available antihistamines, however, have significant differences in their effects and safety profiles. Furthermore, the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma initiative calls for additional desirable properties of antihistamines. Here, we review the profile of rupatadine, a new dual platelet-activating factor and H1-receptor antagonist that fulfils these criteria and therefore offers an excellent option for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Keywords::

• allergic rhinitis
• antihistamine
• PAF antagonist
• rupatadine
• urticaria

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Marcus Maurer is currently, or was recently, a speaker and/or advisor for Almirall Hermal, Bayer Schering Pharma, Biofrontera, Essex Pharma, Genentech, JADO Technologies, Jerini, Merckle Recordati, Novartis, Sanofi Aventis, Schering-Plough, Leo, MSD, Merck, Shire, Symbiopharm, UCB and Uriach. Martin Metz is currently, or was recently, a speaker for Abdi Ibrahim, Dr R Pfleger, Essex Pharma, Merckle-Recordati, MSD, Novartis Pharma, Schering-Plough, Shire and Uriach Pharma. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.