Rupatadine is a new non-sedating antihistamine medication used in allergy management of conditions such as allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria. As well as primarily blocking the Histamine receptors on cells, Rupatadine has a dual effect of also blocking the action of Platelet Activating Factor (PAF). PAF is one of the most potent allergy provoking mediatoirs released in the body and is associated with more severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. If one can block receptors for PAF then theoretically you can prevent anaphylaxis occuring. Ongoing clinical trials are in progress to assess the efficacy of Rupatadine in preventing and treating allergies and to see if it offers any additional efficacy over common antihistamines such as cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine.
