Rupatadine is a novel compound that inhibits both platelet-activating factor (PAF) and histamine effects through its interaction with specific receptors. Clinical trials show that rupatadine is an effective and generally well tolerated treatment for allergic rhinitis and CIU. Rupatadine has a rapid onset of action and a prolonged duration of activity. Importantly, it has no significant effect on cognition, psychomotor function or the cardiovascular system. Once-daily rupatadine significantly improves allergic rhinitis symptoms in patients with SAR, PAR or persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) compared with placebo, and provides similar symptom control to that of loratadine, desloratadine, cetirizine or ebastine.