Get a prescription for Betahistine online
Betahistine treats symptoms such as ringing in your ears (tinnitus), dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, and hearing loss associated with Meniere’s disease. You can get a prescription for Betahistine online by connecting with our online doctor at Your Doctors Online, who will ask you to describe your symptoms to determine the best course of treatment. However, please note a prescription will only be provided after consultation with the doctor and if the treatment is considered suitable and safe for you.
What is Betahistine?
Betahistine is a histamine analog and belongs to the class of drugs known as “antihistamine anti-vertigo medications,” primarily used to treat Meniere’s illness.
Uses of Betahistine
Ménière’s disease is an illness that affects the inner ear and is brought on by an accumulation of excess fluid in the ear. This condition causes recurring vertigo, and Betahistine helps treat the vertigo due to Ménière’s disease.
How does it work?
Betahistine improves blood flow to the ear’s damaged area and decreases the fluid quantity there. Betahistine is an H1-receptor agonist that causes stimulation of H1 receptors in the inner ear leading to a vasodilatory effect. This improves the blood flow to the inner ear leading to improved symptoms of Ménière’s disease such as vertigo and tinnitus.
Betahistine does not only act as an agonist; it also acts as an antagonist on H3 receptors. By antagonizing the H3 receptor, Betahistine increases histamine levels in the brain and ear, leading to reduced symptoms of vertigo.
What are the dosage forms for Betahistine?
Betahistine is available as tablets in the following dosages:
- 8mg
- 16mg
- 24 mg
Typically, the initial dose is 16 mg, thrice daily, with intervals of 6 to 8 hours between doses. Once symptoms are managed, the dosage might decrease to 8 mg daily. The maintenance dose is 24-48 mg per day as divided doses.
How to take Betahistine?
The tablets should be swallowed whole with water to minimize stomach discomfort, preferably after a meal. Long-term usage, spanning months or years, may be necessary for Ménière’s disease prevention. When you miss a dose, skip it and continue with the next scheduled dose; never double up. For those with forgetfulness, setting alarms or seeking advice from a pharmacist may aid in adherence. Overdosing can induce nausea, drowsiness, and abdominal pain.
Side effects of Betahistine
Some common side effects of Betahistine include:
- Rashes
- Headache
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Dyspnea
- Itching
Although rare, serious side effects can include:
- Allergic responses
- Changes in blood pressure
- Urticaria
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- Vertigo (ENT)
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Prescription
- Betahistine, 16mg,
- Thrice daily, for 8 days.
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Contraindications and Precautions
- Betahisitine can cause gastrointestinal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and dyspepsia in patients. Therefore, it is contraindicated in patients with gastric ulcers as it can increase gastric acid.
- Betahistine can affect the lungs and can cause bronchospasm. Caution is advised in people with Asthma.
- Patients with Pheochromocytoma should not take it as it can cause a hypertensive crisis.
- If you experience adverse reactions like drowsiness or dizziness, avoid activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
FAQs About Betahistine
How long should I take Betahistine for vertigo?
To stop the signs of Ménière’s illness, you might need to take Betahistine for a long time, perhaps several months or years.
How long does it take for Betahistine to work?
Typically, you’ll take Betahistine thrice daily, with six to eight hours between each dose. It could take a few weeks after you start taking Betahistine before you begin to feel better.
Is Betahistine antihistamine?
It is, indeed. A histamine analog is a class of medication that includes betahistine. It amplifies the effects of histamine, a naturally occurring chemical, in your inner ear. Antihistamines operate by preventing histamine from impacting your body’s cells.
What is the difference between Betahistine hydrochloride and Betahistine dihydrochloride?
Betahistine hydrochloride and dihydrochloride are the same active substances and are interchangeable. Both entail producing a salt version of Betahistine by mixing it with hydrochloric acid. When it comes to the therapeutic benefits or medicinal applications, there is no clinically meaningful difference between the two.
Is there an over-the-counter Betahistine?
No, Betahistine is not available over the counter. It requires a prescription from a medical professional.
What is an alternative to Betahistine for vertigo?
Betahistine16 mg was found to be non-inferior and superior to the fixed combination of cinnarizine 20 mg and dimenhydrinate 40 mg in treating peripheral vestibular vertigo.
How long can you stay in Betahistine?
The duration of Betahistine usage varies, but it can be long-term, spanning several months to years, based on the individual’s medical condition and response to treatment.
Does Betahistine work immediately?
Before you see any changes, it could take a few weeks. To prevent your symptoms from returning, your doctor may advise you to continue taking the pills for a while, even after you start to feel better.
Is it safe to take Betahistine every day?
Yes, Betahistine is generally safe for daily use when prescribed by a doctor. Following the recommended dosage and instructions your healthcare provider provides is essential. Regular monitoring and communication with your doctor ensure safe and effective usage.
What drugs should not be taken with Betahistine?
Betahistine may interact with any of the following substances: antihistamines (such as chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, and cetirizine), beta-2 agonists (such as salmeterol, fenoterol, formoterol, and salbutamol).
Does Betahistine affect blood pressure?
If you take more Betahistine than recommended, you may experience tachycardia (rapid pulse), hypotension (low blood pressure), bronchospasm (shortness of breath with a feeling of suffocation), and edema (fluid retention in the tissues). After consuming huge amounts, seizures may occur.
Does Betahistine cause weight gain?
No, weight gain is not typically associated with Betahistine usage.
Does Betahistine reduce anxiety?
Betahistine’s primary purpose is to treat vertigo and related inner ear conditions. At the same time, some individuals might experience reduced anxiety due to improved symptoms.
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