Brand Name
Serc
Common Name
betahistine
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02243878 | SERC 16 MG TABLET |
| 02247998 | SERC 24MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Betahistine is belongs to a group of medications used to treat vertigo associated with Ménière's disease. Vertigo is a condition that causes sufferers to have a sensation of rotation or movement of themselves or their surroundings. Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes vertigo in addition to symptoms such as ringing in the ears, headache, and loss of hearing.
Betahistine is used to reduce the number of episodes of vertigo associated with Ménière's disease.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The usual recommended dose of betahistine for adults is 24 mg to 48 mg given in 2 or 3 divided doses (i.e., 12 mg to 24 mg twice a day, or 8 mg to 16 mg three times a day). To prevent stomach upset, it is recommended that this medication be taken with food.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
16 mg
Each round, biconvex, scored, white to almost white tablet with bevelled edges, engraved with "S" over a triangle on one side and "267" on the scored side, contains betahistine 16 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, colloidal anhydrous silica, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and talc.
24 mg
Each round, biconvex, scored, white to almost white tablet with bevelled edges, engraved with "S" over a triangle on one side and "289" on the scored side, contains betahistine 24 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, colloidal anhydrous silica, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and talc.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Betahistine should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to betahistine or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has a condition known as pheochromocytoma
- has a peptic ulcer or a history of the condition
