Betahistine Dihydrochloride

Introduction

Betahistine dihydrochloride is an anti-Vertigo medication used to treat Ménière’s disease. It is believed to work by increasing blood flow to the inner ear, and reducing the symptoms of Vertigo and dizziness. It belongs to the group of drugs known as antivertiginics, or drugs that work to reduce the symptoms of dizziness and balance problems.

Uses For

Betahistine dihydrochloride is used for the treatment of Ménière’s disease. This is an inner ear disorder that can cause dizziness, vertigo, and other symptoms related to balance.

Brand Name	Betahistine Dihydrochloride
Type
Weight
Generic	Betahistine Dihydrochloride
Manufacturer
Available in	English বাংলা

Mechanism of Action

Betahistine dihydrochloride works by increasing the level of certain chemicals in the inner ear that promote the clearance of fluids from the endolymph and reduce the swelling. This in turn reduces the effects of the disease and symptoms of vertigo and dizziness.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Most patients experience some relief of their symptoms within 1-2 weeks after taking Betahistine dihydrochloride. It can take up to 6 weeks for full effect. Different patients may respond differently to the medication.

Absorption

Betahistine dihydrochloride is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is almost completely absorbed and plasma concentrations reach steady-state in 3-7 days.

Route of Elimination

Betahistine dihydrochloride is primarily eliminated through the kidneys in 2-3 days. Some of the drug may be metabolized by the liver but this is a minor route of elimination.

Dosage

Adults: Initial oral treatment is 8 to 16mg three times daily, taken preferably with meals. Maintenance doses are generally in the range 24-48 mg daily. Daily dose should not exceed 48mg. Dosage can be adjusted to suit individual patient needs. Sometimes improvement could be observed only after a couple of weeks of treatment. There is no data available for patients with hepatic impairment. There is no data available for patients with renal impairment. There is limited data in the elderly, betahistine should be used with caution in this population.

Children and adolescents: Betahistine tablets are not recommended for use in children and adolescents below age 18 due to lack of data on safety and efficacy.

The usual recommended dose of Betahistine dihydrochloride is 48 mg taken orally three times per day. It may be taken with or without food. The dose may be increased by your doctor, up to a maximum dosage of 256 mg per day.

Administration

Betahistine dihydrochloride should be taken orally with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Betahistine dihydrochloride include headaches, nausea, stomach pain, and difficulty sleeping. Less serious side effects may include dizziness or drowsiness. If these side effects persist, talk to your doctor.

Toxicity

Betahistine dihydrochloride is generally safe and well-tolerated. Overdose symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and hypotension. If an overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center.

Precaution

Before taking Betahistine dihydrochloride, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart problems, high or low blood pressure, or any allergies. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Betahistine dihydrochloride as it can increase the risk of side effects.

Interaction

Some drugs may interact with Betahistine dihydrochloride. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Also, inform your doctor if you are taking any anticholinergic or antihistamine medications.

Disease Interaction

People with certain diseases may not be able to take Betahistine dihydrochloride safely. Make sure your doctor is aware of any health conditions including heart disease, liver or kidney disease, high or low blood pressure, or asthma. Also, inform your doctor of any allergies you may have.

Drug Interaction

Certain drugs can interact with Betahistine dihydrochloride. Make sure that your doctor is aware of all medications, prescription or over-the-counter, that you are taking before you start Betahistine dihydrochloride.

Food Interactions

Betahistine dihydrochloride can be taken with or without food. Taking with food may reduce stomach upset. Avoid taking the medication with high fat meals as this may reduce the absorption of the drug.

Pregnancy Use

Betahistine dihydrochloride has not been studied in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking Betahistine dihydrochloride if you are pregnant.

Lactation Use

It is not known if Betahistine dihydrochloride is found in breast milk. Avoid taking this medication if you are breastfeeding.

Acute Overdose

An overdose of Betahistine dihydrochloride can be serious. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. If an overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center immediately.

Contraindication

Betahistine dihydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with allergies to any component of the medication. It is also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to antihistamines.

Use Direction

Betahistine dihydrochloride should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and do not take more than the recommended dose. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember, but do not take more than the recommended dose per day.

Storage Condition

Betahistine dihydrochloride should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication in a tightly closed container out of the reach of children.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of Betahistine dihydrochloride is not well characterized. It is believed that the drug has high bioavailability and distributes well into most tissues.