Betahistine

Betahistine is the medicine prescribed in case of Meniere’s disease. It basically reduces the number of episodes of vertigo associated with this disease. Besides this, hearing problems or tinnitus which occur as the common symptoms of Meniere’s disease, are also relieved by the application of Betahistine.

This medicine cannot stop these symptoms completely but definitely helps to minimise them. Betahistine is analogous to histamine. It works on the mechanism of reducing pressure due to excess fluid in the inner ear. This is done by improving the blood flow to the inner ear.

Presence of excess fluid there can convey signals to the brain resulting in the symptoms like nausea, spinning sensations or dizziness. Betahistine minimises the nerve signals which are sent from the inner ear to the brain and helps to relieve such symptoms of Meniere’s disease.

• It may worsen the symptoms of breathing problems; hence talk to your doctor if you have asthma.
• Liver disease may result in the building up of medication in the body, causing more side effects.
• It may lead to an increase in the symptoms associated with a stomach ulcer. You must have a detailed discussion with your doctor about the effect of this drug.

There are some side effects which are caused due to Betahistine in certain cases. Those may include nausea, headache, indigestion, bloating, stomach pain etc. These may or may not require consultation with the doctor depending upon the severity. The effects of these can be reduced effectively if Betahistine is taken with meals.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• Hearing Loss

• Tinnitus

• Vertigo

• Meniere's Disease

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• Pheochromocytoma

• Hypersensitivity

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• Headache

• Gastrointestinal Discomfort

• Heartburn

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Indigestion

• Rash

• Urticaria

• Pruritus

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 16 to 17 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  No sufficient information is available about the peak levels of this medicine in the body. It is well observed orally. The presence of food may delay the absorption of this medicine.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Discuss with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of this medicine.

• Is it habit forming?

  Habit forming tendencies were reported

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Discuss with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of this medicine.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  No information available.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  Betahistine usually does not affect the patients ability to drive.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  It is found to be safe if given to the patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medication.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Limited data available. Consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• Missed Dose instructions

  If you miss a dose of this drug, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If its almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• India

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Betahistine as ingredient

• Merislon 6 MG Tablet

  Eisai Pharmaceuticals India Ltd

• Verbet 16 MG Tablet

  Albert David

• Avert 8 MG Tablet

  A.N.Pharmacia

• Vertipress 24 MG Tablet

  Cipla Ltd

• Orgahist 16 MG Tablet

  Endocard

• Betavert 16 MG Tablet

  Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd

• Vernil Plus Tablet

  Icarus Healthcare Pvt Ltd

• Vertin 48 MG Tablet

  Abbott India Ltd

• Zevert 8 MG Tablet

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Vertin 8 MG Tablet

  Abbott India Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

This medication acts as a histamine analogue. It works as a partial histamine H1 receptor agonist and histamine H3-receptor antagonist, thus reduces the pressure in the inner ear by increasing the blood flow.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Medicine

  This drug interacts with H1 antagonists.

• Ques : What is Betahistine?

  Ans : It is an anti-vertigo drug that is used for the treatment of vertigo associated with the Meniere’s disease (a disorder of your inner ear).

• Ques : How long do I need to use Betahistine before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : This medication should be consumed, until the complete eradication of the disease. Thus it is advised to use, till the time directed by your doctor.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Betahistine?

  Ans : The duration of the effect of this medicine is dependent on the severity of the patient’s condition. Therefore the frequency of usage of this medication will vary from person to person.

• Ques : Should I use Betahistine empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication is advised to be consumed orally. The salts involved in this medication react properly if it is taken after having food. If you take it on an empty stomach, it might upset the stomach. Please consult the doctor before using it.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Betahistine?

  Ans : This medication contains salts which are suitable to store only at room temperature, as keeping this medication above or below that, can cause an inadequate effect. Protect it from moisture and light.

• Ques : Does Betahistine use tend to increase weight?

  Ans : No, this medication does not cause weight gain. Consult your doctor if you experience weight loss or gain.

• Ques : Can the use of Betahistine affect my blood pressure?

  Ans : No, change in blood pressure is not very common with the use of Betahistine.

• Ques : Is stress a reason for vertigo?

  Ans : Yes, mental stress can trigger vertigo.

• Ques : What are the causes of vertigo?

  Ans : Vertigo may be caused either by a sudden drop in blood pressure or because of being dehydrated. Many people also feel lightheaded if they get up too quickly from sitting or lying down.

• Ques : For how long should we take Betahistine ?

  Ans : One should undergo consultation with a doctor regarding this. Duration of treatment basically depends upon how well the patient’s body responds to the treatment. It may be different in different cases.

• Ques : Can symptoms of Meniere’s disease be triggered by stress ?

  Ans : Yes, stress can trigger vertigo, a common symptom of Meniere’s disease. It cannot cause vertigo by itself but can lead to worsening of the same.

• Ques : What can happen if I miss a dose of Betahistine ?

  Ans : In case we miss a dose of Betahistine, it should be taken as soon as we remember it. In case it is too late, we should skip the missed dose and take the next one.

• Ques : Is Betahistine effective to be used ?

  Ans : Yes, Betahistine is effective in case of vertigo or Meniere’s disease if it is taken in a prescribed dosage for a prescribed duration of time under the medical supervision.

• Ques : What can happen if we stop taking Betahistine on our own ?

  Ans : If we discontinue consumption of Betahistine on our own after seeing improvement, recurrence of symptoms may occur. Symptoms may also get worse in some cases.

• Betahistine- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/betahistine

• Serc - 8 mg Tablets- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1171/smpc

• Betahistine 16 mg tablets- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2020 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7053/smpc