Betahistine

NHS information about the medicine betahistine, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.

What betahistine is for

Betahistine is a medicine used to treat the symptoms of Ménière's disease.

These symptoms include:

dizziness and a spinning sensation (vertigo)
ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
loss of hearing
feeling sick (nausea)

It's thought to work by improving blood flow in the inner ear, reducing the build-up of pressure. This helps treat Ménière's disease symptoms, and reduces how often you get them.

How to take betahistine

Betahistine usually comes as tablets. Most people take it 3 times a day.

Your doctor will tell you how much to take and for how long. Your dose may go up and down to help manage your symptoms.

When taking betahistine:

swallow tablets with a glass of water
it's best to take it with or after a meal
leave 6 to 8 hours between each dose

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

Side effects of betahistine

Like all medicines, betahistine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of betahistine include:

feeling sick (nausea)
indigestion
headaches

Betahistine will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of betahistine.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot take betahistine

Most adults can take betahistine.

But betahistine is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from betahistine
you have low blood pressure
you have or have had a stomach ulcer (also called peptic ulcer)
you have asthma
you're pregnant or breastfeeding

Before taking betahistine, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and betahistine

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Betahistine is not usually used while breastfeeding because there's a risk it could cause side effects in your baby.

But your doctor may recommend you take betahistine if the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your baby, or they may recommend a different medicine to help your symptoms.

If you're taking betahistine while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and betahistine

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Betahistine is not usually used during pregnancy because there's not much information on how it might affect your baby.

If you need to take betahistine, your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of using it while you're pregnant.

Taking betahistine with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with betahistine.

This includes:

monoamine-oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants
antihistamines for allergies such as hay fever

Before taking betahistine, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

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