Sign inBefore taking betahistine
Before taking betahistine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have, or have ever had, a peptic (stomach) ulcer.
- If you have asthma.
- If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a tumour on the adrenal gland).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take betahistine
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take betahistine exactly as directed by your doctor. Swallow your dose with a drink of water after food.
- Try to take betahistine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Betahistine does not affect your ability to drive; however, the symptoms of Ménières disease can. Make sure that your reactions are normal before driving or operating machinery or doing any job that could be dangerous if you had an attack of vertigo. If your attacks come on suddenly without warning speak to your doctor. You may be advised not to drive.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with betahistine.
Can betahistine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling sick, indigestion | Take your dose of betahistine after eating a meal |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller |
| Skin itching and rash | Use a moisturiser to soothe the skin. If the rash is severe, contact your doctor as soon as possible |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store betahistine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Serc®, Solvay Healthcare Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2009, accessed October 2009.
- British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).