Clinical Medicine Reviews in Therapeutics

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that affects 10%–20% of general population. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is a subset of allergic rhinitis mediated by histamine, proteases, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and cytokines. These mediators are released from mucosal mast cells which degranulate after cross linking of pollen with mast cell-bound specific IgE. Due to its selective anti H1, antiPAF and anti pro inflammatory properties, rupatadine represents an effective treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms. It is a once a day antihistamine and exhibits a sustained 24-hour effect. Rupatadine reduces effectively the nasal obstruction, one of main symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is a nonsedating antihistamine, does not impair driving performance and has no proarrythmic effect, even in supra therapeutic doses. Long term safety of rupatadine 10 mg daily has been established. Rupatadine is a sound first line antihistamine for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.