Description:

Betahistine Dihydrochloride Tablets 8mg (84 tablets pack) is an oral medication primarily used to treat symptoms of Ménière’s disease and other vestibular disorders. It reduces the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks, helps alleviate tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and decreases hearing loss or fullness in the ear associated with inner ear fluid imbalance. Betahistine improves blood flow in the inner ear and modulates vestibular function by acting as a histamine analogue. In Ghana (Accra), it is a common prescription medication available in pharmacies for chronic vertigo, dizziness, and Ménière’s management.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx, typically from an ENT specialist, neurologist, or GP due to need for diagnosis of vestibular disorders and monitoring; not freely OTC).

Therapeutic Category:

Antivertigo Agent / Histamine Analogue (for symptomatic treatment of Ménière’s disease and vertigo.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Betahistine dihydrochloride 8 mg per tablet. Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, povidone, crospovidone, citric acid, colloidal anhydrous silica, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and film-coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol). Tablets are round, white to off-white, film-coated, and often scored.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Betahistine Dihydrochloride 8mg Tablets (standard 8mg strength; 84-tablet pack for ~4–6 weeks treatment). Related variants: Betahistine 16mg tablets (higher dose for maintenance), Betahistine 24mg tablets (once-daily option in some markets), or other brands (e.g., Serc, Betaserc). The 8mg is the most common starting dose.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food).

Directions/Usage:

Take exactly as prescribed (dosing individualized).

• Adults: Starting dose typically 8–16 mg three times daily (e.g., 1 tablet 8mg TID).
• Maintenance: 8–48 mg daily (divided into 2–3 doses; doctor adjusts based on response).
• Take with meals if stomach upset occurs.
• Duration: Long-term (months to years) for chronic Ménière’s; reassess periodically.
• Do not stop suddenly without doctor advice.

Common Side Effects: Common (usually mild):

• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach upset / indigestion
• Mild drowsiness or fatigue Other: Itching, rash, or dry mouth. Rare/serious (seek help): Allergic reactions (severe rash/swelling), worsening vertigo, or gastrointestinal bleeding (very rare).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 14 tablets per strip, packs of 6×14 = 84 tablets; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet).

Storage Advice: #

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated if allergic to betahistine or ingredients, active peptic ulcer, or pheochromocytoma (catecholamine-secreting tumor).
• Caution in asthma (may cause bronchospasm), pregnancy/breastfeeding (limited data; use only if benefits outweigh risks), or elderly.
• May interact with antihistamines (reduced efficacy).
• If severe headache, worsening dizziness, or allergic symptoms occur, stop use and seek medical care.
• Regular follow-up with ENT specialist for Ménière’s monitoring.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes: Similar betahistine 8mg tablets available in Ghana include:

• Generic betahistine dihydrochloride 8mg (various importers).
• Serc (original brand by Solvay/Abbott if stocked).
• Other brands like Betaserc, Histigo, or local generics. Alternatives: Cinnarizine, dimenhydrinate, or vestibular rehabilitation (consult ENT specialist). Available at pharmacies like Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy in Accra.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Varies by batch (betahistine generics often manufactured by Indian companies like Intas, Cipla, or local Ghanaian producers for export). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked at outlets like Scab Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

India (primary source for generic betahistine 8mg tablets imported to Ghana; BP-compliant generics common in African markets).