Betahistine

About Betahistine

Betahistine is used to treat Ménières disease

Ménières disease occurs when there is a build up of fluid within the inner ear. This causes symptoms such as tinnitus (buzzing in the ear), deafness and vertigo (a spinning sensation often causing vomiting). These attacks may last for a few hours and then not come back for months, or you may experience a cluster of attacks.

Betahistine works by reducing the amount of fluid in the inner ear and therefore relieves these symptoms.

Betahistine is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Serc. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before 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 ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you suffer from, or have ever had, a peptic (stomach) ulcer
• if you suffer from asthma
• if you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a tumour on the adrenal gland)
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Betahistine

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Try to take this medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and continue as normal. Never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• Take Betahistine with food
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Betahistine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Betahistine.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Betahistine.
• 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.

Can Betahistine cause problems?

Along with their needed effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your pharmacist or doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Upset stomach, indigestion, headache, rash, itching

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, not mentioned in this leaflet, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Betahistine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS 2005   Updated: 20/01/2005