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Rapitus
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Rapitus is a drug that inhibits the cough reflex. It does not fall into the category of combination drugs that contain expectorants.
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Indications Rapitusa
It is indicated for the treatment of dry, unproductive cough (against the background of tracheitis with pharyngitis, as well as influenza, laryngitis, pulmonary emphysema and tracheobronchitis with bronchial asthma; in addition, also for pathologies within the respiratory system (infectious-inflammatory or allergic in nature), as well as for pulmonary tumors and chronic obstructive bronchitis).
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Release form
The product is released in the form of syrup, in 120 ml bottles. One pack of the medicine contains 1 bottle complete with a measuring cap.
Pharmacodynamics
Levodropropizine is an antitussive drug that has a mainly peripheral effect, which allows it to reduce the intensity and frequency of coughing fits and have a bronchodilator effect. The drug differs from other antitussive drugs in that it does not cause dependence or tolerance. The effect on the central nervous system is significantly weaker than that of the substance dropropizine.
The effectiveness of the active component is associated with the suppression of the sensitivity of the conductors inside the bronchial tree. The properties of the drug were determined during clinical tests - its effectiveness exceeds 90%.
The substance levodropropizine affects the body at the level of nerve conductors, slowing down the transmission of nerve impulses inside C-fibers. It inhibits the processes of releasing neuropeptides (including substance P and others), and along with this histamine, as a result of which it is possible to obtain a significant bronchodilator effect.
Pharmacokinetics
Levodropropizine is rapidly absorbed within the digestive system, reaching peak plasma levels 1.5-2 hours after ingestion. The half-life is approximately 4-5 hours.
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Dosing and administration
The medicine must be taken orally. The procedure is recommended to be performed 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
For adolescents aged 12 years and over and adults, the dosage is 10 ml (which is equal to 60 mg of levodropropizine) three times a day at intervals of at least 6 hours.
For children 2-12 years old, the dosage is 1 mg/kg three times a day (the total daily dose is 3 mg/kg). Approximate recommended dosages:
- for children weighing between 10-20 kg – 3 ml no more than 3 times a day;
- for children weighing between 20-30 kg – 5 ml no more than 3 times a day.
The duration of the course is selected by the attending physician, but in general the therapy cannot last longer than 1 week. If there is no result after 4-5 days of treatment, it is necessary to stop the therapy and consult a doctor.
Use Rapitusa during pregnancy
There is no information about the safety of using Rapitus in pregnant women or during lactation. Therefore, it is prohibited to prescribe it in such cases.
Contraindications
Among the main contraindications:
- the presence of intolerance to levodropropizine or other components of the drug;
- presence of sputum or excessive secretion of it;
- weakening of mucociliary function (the presence of ciliary dyskinesia or Kartagener syndrome);
- severe renal/hepatic functional disorders;
- children under 2 years of age.
Side effects Rapitusa
Taking the medication may cause certain side effects:
- reactions of the digestive tract: the appearance of vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, dyspeptic symptoms, abdominal pain, and also a feeling of discomfort in the stomach;
- manifestations from the nervous system: development of asthenia, paresthesia, headaches, feelings of drowsiness or fatigue, as well as dizziness, fainting and impaired consciousness;
- reactions from the cardiovascular system: occurrence of cardiopathy or tachycardia, as well as palpitations;
- subcutaneous layer with the skin: itching and rash on the skin.
In case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug (including the dye Ponceau 4R), allergic reactions may occur.
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Overdose
Signs of overdose include: feeling drowsy, vomiting, confusion, tachycardia and nausea (or other side effects may become more severe).
The medicine has no specific antidote. It is necessary to perform gastric lavage and give the patient sorbents. It is also necessary to administer plasma-substituting solutions parenterally.
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Storage conditions
Rapitus should be kept in a place inaccessible to small children. Temperature level – no more than 25°C.
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Shelf life
Rapitus is suitable for use no more than 2 years from the date of production of the syrup.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Rapitus" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.