Betahistine is a medication to relieve vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) caused by Meniere's disease. This medicine should only be used with a doctor's prescription.
Some studies state that betahistine works by increasing blood flow and decreasing the amount of fluid in the ear, so that the symptoms and complaints of vertigo can subside.
Betahistine trademark:Betaserc, Betahistine, Betahistine Mesylate, Histigo, Kurtigo, Lexigo, Mertigo, Meristin, Merislon, Rotaver, Vesitab, Vertikaf, Vertigosan, Versyl, Versilon, Vercure, and Vastigo
What's thatBetahistine
| group | H3 . antihistamines |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Overcoming vertigo due to Meniere's disease |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Betahistine for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not yet categorized. Betahistine is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warning Before Taking Betahistine
Betahistine should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription. Before taking betahistine, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not take betahistine if you are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, hypotension, porphyria, peptic ulcer, or pheochromocytoma.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are planning any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Do not stop treatment suddenly without consulting your doctor first.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after using betahistine.
Betahistine Dosage and Directions for Use
The doctor will determine the dose and duration of treatment using betahistine according to the patient's condition. The following is the distribution of betahistine doses to treat Meniere's disease:
- Betahistine hydrochloride (HCl)Initial dose 8–16 mg, 3 times daily. The maintenance dose is 24-48 mg per day.
- Betahistine mesilateThe dose is 6–12 mg, 3 times a day.
How to ConsumeBetahistine dit's true
Be sure to read the instructions on the medicine package and follow your doctor's advice before using betahistine. Do not increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Betahistine can be taken before or after meals. Drink a glass of water to swallow betahistine.
Do not stop treatment unless directed by a doctor. The doctor will let the patient know if the betahistine dose has been reduced.
Take betahistine regularly at the same time every day. If you forget to take betahistine, it is advisable to do it as soon as you remember it, if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store betahistine at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and out of reach of children.
Betahistine Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several drug interactions that can occur if betahistine is used with other medicines, including:
- Decreased effectiveness of betahistine when used with other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine
- Increased side effects of betahistine when used with MAOIs, such as selegiline, isocarboxazid, and phenelzine
- Decreased effectiveness of beta2 agonist asthma drugs, such as salbutamol and sameterol
Side Effects and DangersBetahistine
Betahistine has the potential to cause the following side effects:
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain and bloating
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not go away. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or overdose symptoms, such as:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Severe stomach pain
- Seizures