Brand Name
Serc
Common Name
betahistine dihydrochloride
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 one of the group of medicines that treats 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 choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed
here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.
How should I use this medication?
The usual recommended dose of betahistine for adults is 8 mg to 16 mg
three times daily. Betahistine is not recommended for use by children. To prevent
stomach upset, it is recommended that this medication be taken with food. It
is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed. Many things can affect
the dose of 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 you are taking the medication
without talking to your doctor.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as you remember. However,
if you don't remember until it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Store the medication at room temperature and protect from moisture.
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, one side inscribed "S", the other side with "267" on either side of the score, contains betahistine dihydrochloride 16 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, colloidal anhydrous silica, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose and talc. The diameter of the tablet is 8.5 mm.
24 mg
Each round, biconvex, scored white-to-almost-white tablet, with bevelled edges, one side inscribed with "S", the other side with "289" on either side of the score, contains betahistine dihydrochloride 24 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, colloidal anhydrous silica, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose and talc. The diameter of the tablet is 10 mm.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Betahistine should not be used by anyone with:
- an allergy to the product or any of its ingredients
- a peptic ulcer
or a history of the condition
- a condition known as pheochromocytoma
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