About Vertin 16 Tablet
Vertin 16 Tablet contains Betahistine 16 mg. Betahistine is used to reduce the symptoms of Ménière's disease, an inner ear condition. These include vertigo (a spinning feeling), ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss. It is thought to work by improving blood flow in the inner ear. It may take some weeks to show its full effect.
Uses of Vertin 16 Tablet
- Ménière's disease — vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss
- Vertigo linked to inner ear problems, as advised by a doctor
Benefits
In Ménière's disease and vertigo
It can reduce how often and how badly vertigo attacks happen, and may ease ringing in the ears. Some people improve within weeks, while for others it takes longer.
Side effects
Stomach upset is the most common side effect. Taking it with food can help.
Common
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Mild stomach discomfort
Get medical help if you notice
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing — stop taking it and seek emergency care
- Severe skin rash with blistering — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Swallow the tablet with water, with or after food to reduce stomach upset.
How it works
It is similar to histamine. It is thought to widen small blood vessels in the inner ear, improving blood flow and helping to reduce pressure, and it may also calm signals from the balance organ to the brain.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
No direct interaction is known, but alcohol can worsen dizziness and balance problems. Limit it.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
There is not enough information. It is best avoided in pregnancy unless your doctor advises it.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It is not known if it passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor.
Driving Caution
The medicine itself is unlikely to affect driving, but vertigo can. Do not drive during or soon after a dizzy attack.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Limited information is available. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Consult your doctor
Limited information is available. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it with food to reduce stomach upset.
- Keep taking it regularly; it may take weeks to see the full effect.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, a stomach ulcer or a rare adrenal tumour called phaeochromocytoma.
- Sit or lie down at the start of a vertigo attack to avoid falls.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Pyridine derivative (histamine analogue)
- Therapeutic class
- Neurology / ear
- Action class
- Histamine analogue (H3 antagonist, weak H1 agonist)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Antihistamines (allergy medicines) | May reduce the effect of betahistine |
| MAO inhibitors, including selegiline | May increase betahistine levels |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Betahistine dihydrochloride prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); Betahistine Summary of Product Characteristics (EMC)). Pharmacist review pending.