Betahistine Dihydrochloride

Betahistine is a medication primarily used to treat symptoms of Ménière’s disease, such as vertigo (spinning sensation), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hearing loss. Betahistine Dihydrochloride is used for Vestibular disorders and Meniere's disease.

Also called: Vexamine (Philippines)

Pronunciation: (beh-TAH-his-teen).

Generic name
Betahistine dihydrochloride
Brand names
Any popular brands, Betavert, Serc, Betaver, Vergo, Betaserc
Drug class
Histamine analog

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country: United Kingdom · Canada · Nepal · New Zealand

Australia: · Full directory

What Betahistine dihydrochloride is and how it works

Betahistine is a medication primarily used to treat symptoms of Ménière’s disease, such as vertigo (spinning sensation), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hearing loss. It works by improving blood flow in the inner ear, which helps reduce the pressure that causes these symptoms. Betahistine is not a cure for Ménière’s disease but can help manage and reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Most people take it regularly to prevent symptoms, and it is generally well tolerated. Key points: Take betahistine exactly as prescribed, usually with food to reduce stomach upset. It may take a few weeks to notice full benefits. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting or stopping this medication. (2)

Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.

Mechanism of action: how Betahistine dihydrochloride works

Betahistine is a histamine analog (weak histamine H1 agonist and H3 receptor antagonist) believed to work by improving blood flow in the inner ear, which helps reduce the endolymphatic pressure thought to underlie Meniere's disease symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Avoid taking more than the prescribed dose. Alcohol may worsen dizziness or vertigo, so it is best avoided. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how betahistine affects you.

What is Betahistine dihydrochloride used for?

Vestibular disorders

Vestibular disorders (2)

Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease (2)

Before taking Betahistine dihydrochloride

Do not take / not appropriate for

  • hypersensitivity to betahistine/ingredients. (Contraindication) (2)
  • pheochromocytoma. (Contraindication) (2)

Tell your clinician about

(2)

Betahistine dihydrochloride dosage and how to take it

  • Take betahistine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken two or three times daily with food to reduce stomach upset. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water, preferably with food. Do not stop taking betahistine suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider.
  • This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
(2)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the one you missed.

Overdose

Seek immediate medical attention in case of suspected overdose. Mild-to-moderate symptoms such as nausea and drowsiness have been reported at higher-than-prescribed doses, with more serious complications (including vomiting, seizures, or low blood pressure) reported in intentional overdose. Treatment is standard supportive care. (2)

Betahistine dihydrochloride side effects

Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.

Headache

Incidence: Common, mild

Nausea

Incidence: Common, mild

Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Incidence: Common, mild

Mild stomach upset

Incidence: Common, mild; usually improves as the body adjusts

Severe or persistent stomach pain

Incidence: Uncommon; contact a clinician promptly

Allergic reaction signs (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness)

Incidence: Rare; seek medical attention

Difficulty breathing

Incidence: Rare; seek immediate medical attention

Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Incidence: Rare; seek medical attention

Worsening of asthma symptoms

Incidence: Uncommon in people with asthma; seek medical advice

Serious warnings

Seek immediate medical attention for signs of a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), hives (urticaria), or rash, or for difficulty breathing, severe skin rash, chest pain, or worsening breathing problems — serious

Symptoms: Seek immediate medical attention for signs of a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), hives (urticaria), or rash, or for difficulty breathing, severe skin rash, chest pain, or worsening breathing problems.

Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)

Betahistine is contraindicated in people with a known hypersensitivity to betahistine or any of its ingredients, or with pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland) — serious

Symptoms: Betahistine is contraindicated in people with a known hypersensitivity to betahistine or any of its ingredients, or with pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland).

Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)

Use with caution if you have a history of peptic ulcer disease — serious

Symptoms: Use with caution if you have a history of peptic ulcer disease. Asthma patients should be monitored closely, as betahistine may worsen asthma symptoms. If you experience severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop betahistine.

Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)

Interactions

Medicine or testEffectAction
AntihistaminesAs betahistine is a histamine analog, antihistamines may in theory affect the efficacy of either drug. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. (2)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including MAO-B selective agentsCaution is advised; MAOIs may reduce the metabolism of betahistine and increase betahistine levels. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. (2)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Pregnancy

It is preferable to avoid betahistine during pregnancy because human safety data are insufficient, even though animal studies did not show harm at therapeutic doses; use only if a doctor considers it clearly necessary. (2)

Breastfeeding

Betahistine should only be used while breastfeeding if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor, as safety data is limited. (2)

Children

Betahistine is not generally recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years due to limited safety and efficacy data. (2)

Renal Impairment

The UK EMC SmPC for Serc (betahistine) states that no specific clinical trials have been conducted in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, but based on extensive post-marketing experience no dose adjustment appears to be necessary in either group. Individual dose adjustment should still be guided by a prescriber. (2)

Hepatic Impairment

The UK EMC SmPC for Serc (betahistine) states that no specific clinical trials have been conducted in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, but based on extensive post-marketing experience no dose adjustment appears to be necessary in either group. Individual dose adjustment should still be guided by a prescriber. (2)

Monitoring

(2)

Storage

Store at room temperature (below 25 degrees C / 77 degrees F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.

Professional information

Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.

General

Indication: Vestibular disorders

Dose summary: Typical starting dose for adults (including the elderly) is 16 mg three times daily, preferably with meals, with maintenance doses generally in the range of 24-48 mg daily in divided doses; dosage may be adjusted based on response and tolerability.

Renal context: The UK EMC SmPC states there are no specific clinical trials in patients with renal impairment, but according to post-marketing experience no dose adjustment appears to be necessary. (2)

Mechanism of action

Hepatic guidance

The UK EMC SmPC states there are no specific clinical trials in patients with hepatic impairment, but according to post-marketing experience no dose adjustment appears to be necessary.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for betahistine to work?

It may take several days to a few weeks for betahistine to show its full effect. Some people notice improvement in vertigo and other symptoms within the first week, but optimal benefits may take up to 2–3 months.

Can I take betahistine with food?

Yes, betahistine should be taken with food to help reduce stomach upset.

Is betahistine safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Betahistine should only be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor, as safety data is limited.

Can betahistine be used in children?

Betahistine is not generally recommended for children under 18 years due to limited safety and efficacy data.

What should I do if I experience side effects?

If you experience mild side effects, such as headache or stomach upset, they may improve over time. If you develop severe or concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Can I drink alcohol while taking betahistine?

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking betahistine, as it may worsen dizziness or vertigo.

Does betahistine interact with other medications?

Yes, betahistine may interact with antihistamines and MAO inhibitors. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.

What is the mechanism of action of Betahistine dihydrochloride?

Betahistine is a histamine analog (weak histamine H1 agonist and H3 receptor antagonist) believed to work by improving blood flow in the inner ear, which helps reduce the endolymphatic pressure thought to underlie Meniere's disease symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Avoid taking more than the prescribed dose. Alcohol may worsen dizziness or vertigo, so it is best avoided. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how betahistine affects you.

What is the generic name of Betahistine Dihydrochloride?

The generic name is Betahistine dihydrochloride. It is sold under brand names including Any popular brands, Betavert, Serc, Betaver, Vergo, Betaserc.

What class of drug is Betahistine dihydrochloride?

Betahistine Dihydrochloride is classed as: Histamine analog.

References

  1. Betahistine — clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global (clinician-authored internal record) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
  2. Serc 16 mg Tablets — Summary of Product Characteristicselectronic Medicines Compendium (UK) · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient Betahistine dihydrochloride names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries

Nepal

Source-listed products; local stock and regulatory approval have not been confirmed. Check the exact ingredient, strength, and formulation with a pharmacist.

  • Betahist 20Tablet · 8mg · Geno Pharmaceuticals Ltd.reference source · checked 2026-09-24
  • BetasercTablet · 8mg · Abbott India Ltd.reference source · checked 2026-09-24
  • Betavert 16Tablet · 16mg · Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.reference source · checked 2026-09-24
  • Verbet 16Tablet · 16mg · A.D. Pharmaceuticalsreference source · checked 2026-09-24
  • Vertin 16Tablet · 16mg · Abbott India Ltd.reference source · checked 2026-09-24
  • VertinormTablet · 25mg · Omnica Laboratories Pvt. Ltd..reference source · checked 2026-09-24
  • VestiboTablet · 8mg · National Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.reference source · checked 2026-09-24
  • Zevert 16Tablet · 16mg · Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.reference source · checked 2026-09-24
View brands in additional countries.

Philippines

Vexamine, Exigo, Serc

More medicines A–Z