The rupee dropped by 43 paise to 74.11 against the US dollar in early trade Wednesday, amid increased demand of the American currencies from importers and sustained foreign fund outflows, reported news agency Press Trust of India. Forex traders said, the US dollar's strength against some currencies overseas and concerns around the rift between the government and the RBI also weighed on the local unit. At the interbank foreign exchange, after opening lower at 73.91, rupee weakened further to quote at 74.11 against the dollar registering a fall of 43 paise over its previous close.