Betahistine Tablets (Betahistine Dihydrochloride)

Betahistine is a prescription medicine used to help manage vertigo symptoms linked to inner-ear conditions. This page summarizes what’s commonly known from labeling and clinical use, so key terms are easier to understand when reviewing a prescription. US delivery from Canada is available for eligible prescriptions, including for people paying cash without insurance.

The sections below cover who it’s typically prescribed for, how dosing is commonly scheduled, what strengths are available, and what to watch for with side effects and interactions. For condition background, the site also offers browsing hubs for Vertigo and Menieres Disease.

What Betahistine Is and How It Works

This product is a histamine-analogue (histamine-like) therapy that’s used in some countries for inner-ear symptom control. The active compound is described as supporting inner-ear blood flow and signaling pathways involved in balance, which may help reduce the intensity or frequency of vertigo episodes for some people. Because dizziness can have many causes, clinicians usually pair the prescription with a careful history of triggers, hearing changes, and how long episodes last.

US shipping from Canada is offered through a cross-border referral model with Canadian dispensing partners when a valid prescription is provided. Prescriptions are verified with the original prescriber before dispensing. For a deeper overview of symptom expectations and tolerability topics, see the site’s Side Effects Overview resource.

Who It’s For

This medicine is most often associated with symptom management for Ménière’s disease (a disorder of the inner ear that can cause spinning sensations, ear fullness, and hearing fluctuation). It may also be considered when a clinician believes vertigo is driven by vestibular (balance-organ) dysfunction rather than by blood pressure changes, heart rhythm problems, or neurologic causes. To learn more about typical patterns of attacks and non-drug options, browse Menieres Disease Overview and What Is Vertigo.

Betahistine for Meniere’s may be prescribed for adults who have recurrent vertigo with ear symptoms, when the prescriber judges benefits may outweigh risks. It is not appropriate for everyone. It should not be used in anyone with a known allergy to the ingredient, and it is generally avoided in people with pheochromocytoma (a rare hormone-secreting tumor). Extra caution is often discussed for people with asthma, a history of stomach ulcers, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding, depending on local labeling.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized by the prescriber based on symptoms, response, and tolerability. Betahistine tablets are commonly scheduled in divided doses taken with food to reduce stomach upset. In many regions, common regimens include 8 mg three times daily or 16 mg three times daily, and some protocols use 24 mg twice daily. Tablets are swallowed with water, and consistent timing is usually emphasized because vertigo symptoms can fluctuate day to day.

If a dose is missed, standard labeling advice for many oral medicines is to take the next dose at the usual time rather than doubling up, but the dispensing label should be followed. Any sudden worsening of dizziness, new neurologic symptoms, fainting, or one-sided weakness should be treated as urgent until assessed. Adherence tools (pill organizers, phone reminders) can help reduce accidental gaps, especially with three-times-daily schedules.

Consistency and symptom tracking

Vertigo conditions are often tracked by episodes rather than by daily “pain scores.” A simple log can be useful: date/time of attacks, duration, nausea/vomiting, hearing changes, and any triggers such as sleep loss, dehydration, or dietary salt. Bring that record to follow-ups so the clinician can judge whether the treatment plan is helping or whether other causes need evaluation. This is especially important when dizziness overlaps with migraine symptoms or when there is progressive hearing loss.

Why it matters: Clear symptom notes help clinicians adjust care without guessing.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as an oral tablet in multiple strengths. Common strengths in clinical use include 8 mg, 16 mg, and 24 mg tablets, though availability can vary by manufacturer and region. Some listings describe the ingredient as betahistine dihydrochloride (also written as betahistine HCl), and packaging may note different suppliers (for example, Teva or Auro) depending on the market.

Tablets may differ in shape, scoring (a break line), and imprint, which can matter if a prescriber directs a split dose. Because vertigo therapies are often used long term, it’s reasonable to confirm the tablet strength on the label each refill to avoid mix-ups. If a switch in appearance occurs, the dispensing pharmacy can confirm whether it reflects a manufacturer change or a different strength.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature, protected from excess heat and moisture. Many labels recommend keeping the medicine in its original blister pack or bottle until use, because bathroom humidity and repeated opening can affect tablets over time. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets, and avoid transferring them into unmarked containers where the name and strength are lost.

For travel, carry doses in hand luggage so temperature swings in checked bags do not become an issue. If traveling with multiple ENT-related medicines, the site’s Ear Nose Throat category can be used to browse common prescription and non-prescription items by type. It can also help to keep a copy of the prescription or dispensing label when crossing borders or going through airport screening.

Quick tip: Keep a photo of the label for reference if packaging is misplaced.

Side Effects and Safety

Most side effects reported with this therapy are related to the stomach or nervous system. Commonly discussed effects include nausea, indigestion, stomach discomfort, headache, or a feeling of bloating. Some people notice skin irritation or mild rash. Dispensing is handled by licensed Canadian partner pharmacies. Any new or severe symptoms should be reviewed with a clinician, especially if they affect breathing, swallowing, or alertness.

Serious reactions are uncommon but important to recognize. Betahistine can be associated with allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals, including hives or swelling, and it may aggravate asthma symptoms in some people. Dizziness conditions themselves can increase fall risk, so caution with driving or hazardous activities is often advised until symptoms are stable. If black stools, persistent stomach pain, or vomiting blood occurs, urgent evaluation is needed due to possible gastrointestinal bleeding.

When to seek urgent assessment

Vertigo can overlap with symptoms of stroke, serious heart rhythm problems, or inner-ear infections. Seek urgent care for sudden weakness, facial droop, new trouble speaking, severe “worst headache,” chest pain, fainting, fever with stiff neck, or new one-sided hearing loss. These warning signs are not typical medication side effects and should not be waited out. For ongoing but non-urgent concerns—such as persistent nausea, troublesome headache, or worsening wheeze—contact the prescriber so the overall plan can be reassessed.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Interaction data can be limited, so clinicians often focus on a few practical categories. Antihistamines (allergy medicines) may theoretically reduce the effect of a histamine-analogue treatment, while monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can increase exposure in some reports. Always provide a complete medication list, including over-the-counter products and supplements, because dizziness can be worsened by sedating agents, alcohol, and some sleep aids.

Betahistine should be used with caution in people with a history of peptic ulcer disease, because acid-related symptoms may flare. Respiratory caution is also common in asthma, since histamine pathways can influence bronchial tone. If ear symptoms are being confused with nasal allergy congestion, the site’s Allergic Rhinitis Treatment guide can help distinguish typical allergy patterns from vestibular conditions to discuss with a clinician.

Compare With Alternatives

Some alternatives are different brand presentations of the same active ingredient. For example, Serc and Vertin are names used in certain markets, and the key practical difference is usually the strength supplied and the manufacturer rather than the mechanism. Prescribers may choose one based on availability and local labeling.

Other approaches for vertigo depend on the underlying diagnosis and may be used alone or alongside long-term therapy. For acute attacks, clinicians sometimes consider short courses of vestibular suppressants or anti-nausea medicines, while longer-term management may include vestibular rehabilitation (balance therapy), migraine-directed treatment when appropriate, or dietary strategies such as salt moderation for Ménière’s disease. The most appropriate comparison is best made using the patient’s diagnosis, comorbidities, and current medications.

Pricing and Access

Access pathways vary because regulatory status differs by country and the medicine is not stocked everywhere. Betahistine is typically dispensed as a prescription product through Canadian pharmacies, rather than as an over-the-counter item. Ships from Canada to US is available through the platform when prescription requirements are met. Costs can differ by strength, tablet count, and supplier, and cash-pay pricing may be relevant when coverage is limited.

Prescription review is part of safe use, particularly when dizziness may have multiple causes. Cash-pay access is available when insurance coverage is limited. If documentation is incomplete, the pharmacy team may request clarification from the prescriber before dispensing. For those managing recurring vertigo, planning refills in advance can help avoid missed doses, since symptom control may depend on consistent use rather than “as-needed” dosing.

Authoritative Sources

For independent references, it can help to review condition guidance and regulatory listings alongside the dispensing label. Because national approvals and product monographs vary, a database entry may not look the same across countries. The links below are provided for neutral background and should not replace clinician advice.

These sources are commonly used for verification and general education:

• Health Canada Drug Product Database listing portal
• NHS overview of Ménière’s disease

To request dispensing through our Canadian partners, add the item and submit prescription details; available options may include prompt, express shipping.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.