Betaserc (Betahistine)
Serc (Betahistine) Dosage and Side Effects
SERC is used for reducing the episodes of recurrent vertigo (dizziness) associated with Ménière's disease.
Warnings and Precautions
BEFORE you use SERC talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you:
- have or have had health problems in the past.
- you are taking medications, including ones you can take without a doctor's prescription e.g. natural or herbal remedies.
- suffer from bronchial asthma, since asthmatic patients should use SERC with caution.
- have liver problems.
- are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- are less than 18 years old.
Driving and using machines:
SERC is not likely to affect your ability to drive or use tools or machinery. However, remember that the disease for which you are being treated (recurrent vertigo associated with Ménière's disease) can make you feel dizzy or sick, and can affect your ability to drive and use machines. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, SERC can cause side effects in some people. Most people have few or no side effects from SERC. Side effects that do occur tend to be generally mild and do not last a long time.
Side effects include:
- skin rashes and itching
- stomach pain
- nausea, vomiting
- bloating, indigestion
- headache
After the release of SERC on the market, there were few reports of patients experiencing drowsiness, heart palpitations or light-headedness, faintness or dizziness from a drop in blood pressure during treatment with SERC. It is unclear whether they resulted from the use of SERC or other unrelated factors.
If any of these affect you severely, tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Interactions with this medication
As with most medicines, interactions with other drugs are possible. Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including drugs prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements, or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with SERC:
- antihistamines—these may lower the effect of SERC. In addition, SERC may lower the effect of antihistamines.
- monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)—used to treat depression or Parkinson's Disease. These may increase the amount ofSERC available in your bloodstream and your doctor may have to change your dose of SERC.
Proper Use of this medication
It is very important to take SERC exactly as your doctor has instructed. If you are not sure when or how many tablets to take each day, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. It is recommended to take your dose at about the same time every day. SERC is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age.
SERC can be taken with or without food. If SERC causes upset stomach, take it with meals.
Usual dose:
The usual daily dose is 24-48 mg daily in divided doses.
SERC 16 mg tablets—half to one tablet three times a day.
or
SERC 24 mg tablets—one tablet twice a day.
Overdose:
If you think you have taken too much SERC contact your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed dose:
If you forget a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.