Betahistine dihydrochloride 16 mg Tablets  

What Betahistine dihydrochloride is used for:

• Betahistine dihydrochloride is a medicine that is used for the treatment of Meniere’s disease
• which is manifested by three different signs; vertigo (dizziness linked with vomiting or nausea),
• tinnitus (hearing sounds in the absence of external sounds e.g. ear ringing) and hearing loss or reduced hearing ability.
• It is also used for the relief of vestibular vertigo symptoms (vertigo even when you are not moving). 

Do not take Betahistine dihydrochloride:

• If you are allergic to Betahistine dihydrochloride, or any of the ingredients in this medicine.
• Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

Warnings & Precautions:

• Stop the medication right away and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you develop allergic reactions such as shortness of breath,
• skin rash, swelling of the face or neck, decreased blood pressure and dizziness. 
• Talk to your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse or are not improving after a few weeks have passed. 
• Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have bronchial asthma (respiratory disease causing respiratory problems like shortness of breath and wheezing)
• or if you have previously had a stomach ulcer (sore).
• Your doctor will be closely monitoring you if you have bronchial asthma or a history of stomach ulcer.  
• Do not repeat the same prescription without consulting your doctor first. 

Possible Side Effects:

• Common side effects include indigestion, nausea and headache.
• Other side effects (unknown frequency) include allergic reactions (e.g. swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing),
• gastrointestinal side effects (e.g. abdominal pain, abdominal distention, bloating and vomiting)
• Allergic reactions of the skin or tissues under the skin (e.g. hives; itchiness; rash; sudden neck, face or limbs swelling).  

Other medicines and Betahistine dihydrochloride:

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medications including prescription medicines,over the counter medicines, herbals, vitamins and supplements.
• Tell your doctor before starting this medicine if you are taking antihistamines (used mainly for allergies, nausea and to help you sleep). 

How to take Betahistine dihydrochloride:

Adults and elderly 

• Recommended total daily dose is 24 – 48 mg divided into multiple doses to be given throughout the day at equal intervals.  
• If you are using 8 mg Betahistine dihydrochloride: take 1 -2 tablets orally three times daily. 
• If you are using 16 mg Betahistine dihydrochloride: take ½ - 1 tablet orally three times daily. 
• If you are using 24 mg Betahistine dihydrochloride: total daily dose is 48 mg divided over the day.
• Your doctor will be recommending an adjusted dosage regimen if needed depending on how you respond to the medicine. 

Children (under the age of 18 years)

• Use of this medicine is not recommended in children due to lack of efficacy and safety evidence.
• Take medication exactly as recommended by your doctor.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• It may take 2 weeks for your symptoms to start improving.
• It may also take a few months for optimal relief.
• The treatment is more likely to prevent disease progression and hearing loss that may result later on when treatment is initiated at the onset of the disease. 
• No dosage adjustments of this medicine are required if you have liver or kidney problems. 
• You may take your medicine during meals or decrease the dose if you experience gastrointestinal side effects (e.g. abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea or indigestion).

How to store Betahistine dihydrochloride:

• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Store medication at room temperature (below 30 °C)
• Do not use beyond the expiry date mentioned on the box 
• Keep medication in its original pack to protect it from moisture and light
• Do not use damaged tablets
• Do not dispose medication in the wastewater or household waste