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.

If you miss a dose of betahistine

If you forget to take betahistine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much betahistine

Taking an extra dose of betahistine is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much because it can sometimes be dangerous.

Urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist as soon as possible if:

you've taken more than your prescribed dose of betahistine

If you're unable to speak to a pharmacist, or you took too much of your medicine on purpose, call NHS 111 for advice.

Find a pharmacy

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the betahistine packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

How to stop taking betahistine

You may need to take betahistine for some time before your symptoms get better.

Do not stop taking betahistine without talking to your doctor, because your condition may get worse without this medicine.

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.

Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you’re advised to stop.

Find a pharmacy

Serious side effects

Betahistine can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of betahistine include an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing.

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

you're taking betahistine and think you might be having anaphylaxis

If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.

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.

Betahistine - Common brands: Serc