Betaserc is a medicine that contains an active substance called betahistine. It belongs to a group of medicines used in the treatment of vertigo. Vertigo is condition in which you feel dizzy and off-balance or you feel like the objects around you are moving when they are not. Betaserc improves brain blood flow, including the inner ear circulation (inner ear is an important part of our balance system) and in this way reduces dizziness.

It is also used in the treatment of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) as well as Menieres disease (inner ear disorder).

This medicine reduces the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks, but they cannot be fully prevented.

Precautions

This medicine should be avoided in the following conditions:

In patients allergic to the active substance betahistine or other similar medicines
In patients who have adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma)

It should be used only with extra precautions in patients with asthma and in patients with gastricor duodenal ulcer.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Betaserc can be used during pregnancy only if the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the child. There is no enough data about using of this medicine during pregnancy.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding while using this medicine.

How to use

Dosage forms include:

Betaserc 8 mg,
Betaserc 16 mg,
Betaserc 24 mg.

The usual initial dose is 8 mg of Betaserc three times a day. Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 48 mg per day, until the proper effect is achieved.

It should be avoided in children under the age of 18.

Swallow the tablet whole, without chewing, as this may affect this medicine. You should take a pill right after meals, to avoid stomach upset.

This medicine can be used over longer periods of time (6 months-1 year).

If you still feel dizzy, you should avoid operating a motor vehicle or other machinery.

Some doctors believe that lifestyle changes (smoking cessation, healthy eating, physical activity), can significantly improve the treatment of vertigo.

Use with other medicines (Interactions)

Betaserc should be avoided in combination with the following medicines:

Medicines used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, the so-called MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), such as:

moclobemide,
selegiline,
isocarboxazid,
phenelzine and others.

Antihistamines, medicines used in the treatment of allergy, such as:

dimenhydrinate,
diphenhydramine,
cinnarizine,
cetirizine and others.

Tell your doctor about all medications or herbal products you are taking.

Side effects

Betaserc may cause the following side effects:

nausea,
vomiting,
dyspepsia,
abdominal pain,
flatulence,
headache,
hypotension (low blood pressure),
orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure that occur when you stand up from a sitting or lying position),
allergy and others.

Tell your doctor if you are experiencing any side effects.

Information on this website are provided for educational purposes only and are not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.