Betahistine dihydrochloride 8mg
Class: Histamine analogue /Antivertigo agent; Acts as a weak histamine H1 agonist and H3
Manufacturer:
Dosage Form: Oral tablets
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Treatment of symptoms associated with Ménière’s disease and vestibular vertigo, including:
- Vertigo (dizziness/spinning sensation).
- Tinnitus (ringing/buzzing in ears).
- Hearing loss or fluctuations (in Ménière’s).
- Nausea/vomiting associated with vertigo attacks.
Improves microcirculation in the inner ear and reduces endolymphatic hydrops. Not for acute vertigo from other causes (e.g., BPPV—use Epley maneuver) or non-vestibular dizziness (e.g., low BP, anxiety)—doctor must confirm diagnosis.
Dosage:
Oral, divided doses (with or after meals). Typical adult dose:
- Starting: 8 mg 2–3 times daily (16–24 mg/day).
- Maintenance: 24–48 mg/day (e.g., 8 mg 3 times daily or 16 mg twice daily).
- Maximum: Up to 48 mg/day (rarely higher under specialist).
Elderly: No routine adjustment but start low and monitor.
Renal/hepatic impairment: Caution—lower dose if severe (limited data).
Children/adolescents: Not recommended (safety not established).
Duration: Often long-term (weeks to months) for Ménière’s; reassess regularly. Do not stop abruptly if effective—consult doctor
Side Effects:
Common (mild/transient): Headache, nausea, indigestion, mild stomach upset, rash/itching.
Less common: Drowsiness, dry mouth, palpitations, skin reactions.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), worsening vertigo (paradoxical), or GI bleeding (very rare).
Less common: Drowsiness, dry mouth, palpitations, skin reactions.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), worsening vertigo (paradoxical), or GI bleeding (very rare).
Warnings & Precautions:
Take with food to minimize GI irritation.
Caution in asthma (may cause bronchospasm—rare), peptic ulcer history (may worsen), or pheochromocytoma (catecholamine release risk).
Not for acute vertigo attacks requiring immediate sedation (use other agents).
Monitor for improvement (may take days to weeks); if no benefit after 2–3 months, reassess diagnosis.
Driving/machinery: Usually no issue, but avoid if dizziness persists.
Caution in asthma (may cause bronchospasm—rare), peptic ulcer history (may worsen), or pheochromocytoma (catecholamine release risk).
Not for acute vertigo attacks requiring immediate sedation (use other agents).
Monitor for improvement (may take days to weeks); if no benefit after 2–3 months, reassess diagnosis.
Driving/machinery: Usually no issue, but avoid if dizziness persists.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Limited data; animal studies show no major risks—use only if clearly needed (consult doctor).
Lactation: Limited data; low excretion expected—generally compatible short-term but consult provider.
Lactation: Limited data; low excretion expected—generally compatible short-term but consult provider.
Drug Interactions:
Minimal significant reported.
Antihistamines (H1 blockers): Possible reduced efficacy (theoretical—antagonize effects).
No major CYP450 interactions.
Antihistamines (H1 blockers): Possible reduced efficacy (theoretical—antagonize effects).
No major CYP450 interactions.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to betahistine or excipients.
Active peptic ulcer (relative—may worsen).
Pheochromocytoma.
Asthma with history of bronchospasm from histamine analogues (rare).
Active peptic ulcer (relative—may worsen).
Pheochromocytoma.
Asthma with history of bronchospasm from histamine analogues (rare).
Price: Ksh 417/-
Notes:
Pack of 30 tablets (blisters)