Investigation of side effects and uses of betahistine dihydrochloride (Betahistine)

One of the diseases that many people have experienced is Meniere’s disease. The main use of betahistine tablets is to eliminate the symptoms of Meniere’s disease such as dizziness, tinnitus, feeling sick or nausea, etc. Reading this article will help you get more complete information about this pill and make smarter decisions about managing Meniere’s disease and your health. In the following, we will discuss the medicinal forms, uses, side effects and precautions of Betahistine tablets.
Pharmaceutical forms of betahistine
Chemical and herbal medicines produced in pharmaceutical companies are being produced in various medicinal forms depending on the needs of patients and doctors. These medicinal forms include tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, syrup, injectable solution, serum, etc., which your doctor prescribes according to the type of disease, medical records and physical health. The production form of Betahisin drug is available in the form of 8 and 16 mg tablets, which are being produced in domestic pharmacies. This product can be purchased from pharmacies nationwide only with a doctor’s prescription.
Uses of betahistine drug
Betahistine tablets are used to treat the symptoms of Meniere’s disease. This medicine works by reducing the accumulation of fluid in the inner ear, which helps to reduce the frequency of symptoms of Meniere’s disease and make it milder. But the question is what is Meniere’s disease and what are its complications. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder for which a clear etiology has not been stated and is classified in the category of idiopathic diseases. Some of the factors that cause Meniere’s disease include vascular disorders, narrowing of the internal auditory canal, trauma, food allergies, viral infections, and genetic origin.
Symptoms of Meniere’s disease
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- hearing loss
- feeling sick (nausea)
Pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of Betahistine drug
Betahistine works by increasing blood flow in this part of the ear and reducing the amount of liquid in it. This process helps to reduce the number of attacks and make them milder. Excretion and removal of this pill is done through urine.
Dosage of Betahistine tablets
Patients, before taking any chemical and herbal medicine, carefully read the information on the product packaging. The method and dosage of Betahistine tablets are fully stated on the medicine leaflet inside the package. Note that the amount stated on the medicine is based on general consumption and you should see a doctor to get the best treatment. Also, the amount and time of taking each drug is determined based on the age (children, adults and elderly), medical records and physical health of each person. Therefore, the general consumption amount of this product cannot be prescribed for all patients.
Time to take betahistine dihydrochloride tablets
- Take betahistine tablets 3 times a day in doses of 6 to 8 hours. The starting dose for patients is 16 mg.
- When you start using this product, it may take a few weeks for your recovery and treatment. Patients should continue the treatment during this period and never increase, decrease or stop their dosage.
- After a few days of taking Betahisin tablets, we see limited side effects such as headache, feeling sick or indigestion. These complications are mostly mild and do not last long.
- It is better to take this pill with or after food, because it causes stomach upset.
- If patients forget to take a dose of betahistine, take it as soon as they remember. If it is very close to the next pill, skip taking it.
Precautions
After buying the drug from the pharmacy, read the expiration date and drug information on the product. Strictly avoid using this medicine unnecessarily, because this product has many precautions and contraindications. This drug can only be purchased from pharmacies with the approval and prescription of a doctor. Before using this product, if you are allergic to similar pills or betahistine, inform your doctor so that he can change the medicine if necessary. Unfortunately, this product is available in tablets of 8 and 16 mg, and in case of allergy, the doctor has no choice but to change the medicine.
- In case of hypersensitivity or allergy, inform your doctor or pharmacist.
- Patients, if you are allergic to drugs similar to Betahistine, be sure to inform your doctor and pharmacist about the symptoms of your allergy, such as skin rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have a lump called pheochromocytoma in your adrenal gland.
- If you have ulcers or gastritis in your medical records, inform your doctor before use so that he can change the medicine if necessary.
- The use of betahistine in people under 18 years old, especially children, is prohibited.
- Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications (prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal) to check for possible drug interactions and side effects. You should make sure that the use of this drug is safe according to the drugs you are taking and your underlying problems. Never change or stop your dose without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you plan to do any surgery (such as dentistry), warn your doctor about taking betahistine.
- After taking the medicine, avoid driving and doing heavy work so that the effects of the medicine disappear in general.
- If you decide to become pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor.
- The use of this drug in people over 65 years of age increases the possibility of side effects.
Contraindications for betahistine tablets
Along with precautions, contraindications are also one of the important points in medicines, which, if not followed, will cause fatal side effects. In this regard, patients should strictly avoid using betahistine tablets unnecessarily and without a prescription. Patients, if you are already taking a certain drug, warn your doctor about the risk of side effects and drug interactions.
- If you are hypersensitive or allergic to betahistine, avoid using it.
- High blood pressure due to adrenal tumor
- Digestive problems, especially stomach ulcers
- Asthma
Betahistine side effects
Some of the side effects of this product include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, stomach upset, nausea or vomiting. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has determined that the benefits to you are greater than the risk of side effects. Most patients who take this drug do not have serious side effects. However, some of the most important side effects of betahistine include the following:
- Drowsiness;
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Dizziness or falling down
Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, hives, itching, red skin, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or face
Dangerous and emergency side effects of betahistine tablets
- Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat and tongue
- Breathing hard or fast (you may wheeze loudly or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Throat stiffness and difficulty swallowing food
- Your skin, tongue, or lips turn blue, gray, or pale. (If you have black or brown skin, it may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or feet.)
- Causing dizziness, confusion and drowsiness
- Fainting the patient
- Swollen, raised, itchy, blistered, or scaly rashes
Betahistine dihydrochloride drug interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. Before going to the doctor, patients should prepare a list of the herbal and chemical medicines they use and show it to the doctor. MAO inhibitor drugs (used to treat depression or Parkinson’s disease), antihistamines (for allergies such as hay fever) will cause drug interactions with betahistine. If you are taking these drugs, only take Betahistine tablets with the approval and instructions of your doctor.
Betahistine use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Taking betahistine tablets during pregnancy is not recommended for women, because specific information regarding the effect of this drug on the fetus is not available. If you intend to use this medicine during pregnancy, consult your doctor or pharmacist so that he can prescribe similar products for you if needed. However, in case of Meniere’s disease that cannot be treated in any other way, the use of this product will be allowed with a doctor’s prescription. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid excessive and non-prescription use of all kinds of chemical and herbal medicines.
Betahistine tablets and breastfeeding
There is no information on the use of betahistine during breastfeeding, but it is likely that this pill enters breast milk. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using this medicine during breastfeeding if possible. Breastfeeding mothers, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to manage your symptoms and whether other medications might be better. If you need to take betahistine while breastfeeding and you notice that your baby is sick or you have other concerns about your baby, contact your doctor.
Betahistine storage conditions
Keep Betahistine tablets out of the reach of children and animals. This medicine should be stored in a dry and cool place, away from heat and light. Dispose of this product properly when it has expired or is no longer needed. Avoid pouring medicine into the street, toilet well and sewer.
The last word about betahistine drug
As we said in this article from the online pharmacy magazine, Betahistine is an oral drug that is used to treat dizziness and tinnitus caused by Meniere’s disease. This medicine helps to reduce the symptoms by increasing the blood flow in the inner ear. The results of studies show that this product can be effective in reducing the intensity and frequency of dizziness and tinnitus attacks caused by Meniere’s disease. If you experience dizziness or tinnitus caused by Meniere’s disease, be sure to consult your doctor to determine the best treatment method for you.
Site source: NHS
Frequently asked questions about betahistine
When does betahistine work?
Once you start taking betahistine, it may take a few weeks to notice an improvement. Even when you feel better, your doctor will ask you to continue taking the pills for a while to prevent symptoms from coming back.
Are there other medications to help the symptoms of Meniere’s disease?
Your doctor may prescribe a short course of prochloroprazine or a drowsy antihistamine to help if you feel dizzy or sick (vomiting). Prochloroprazine helps relieve severe nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe a short course of prochloroprazine or a drowsy antihistamine to help if you feel dizzy or ill. However, you may need to try a few different medications to find what works best for you.
What is the difference between antihistamine and betahistine?
Betahistine is a type of drug called histamine analog. This medicine works by increasing the effect of a natural substance called histamine in your inner ear. Antihistamines work by stopping histamine from acting on the cells in your body. These products are often used to relieve allergy symptoms such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis, and reactions to insect bites.
What are harmful foods for Meniere’s disease?
You can eat normally while taking betahistine. However, some people say that the symptoms of Meniere’s disease improve by eating a low-salt diet and avoiding caffeine (found in chocolate and beverages such as tea, coffee, cola, and energy drinks).
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