Betaserc contains the active ingredient betahistine which is under the group “histamine analogue” It is available with a prescription in commonly 24mg tablets. There are also doses such as 8mg and 16mg. The main indication to use betaserc is for those suffering from Meniere’s disease. Continue reading to know more about Meniere’s disease and how betaserc works to cure it.
Menieres’s disease is an inner ear disorder. Our ear is anatomically divided into three parts which are the outer, middle and the inner ear. The Outer ear mainly functions to channel the sound vibration into the deeper part of the ears while the middle ear functions to amplify and transmit the sound vibrations to deeper structures. The inner ear is the most important part which helps in transforming the sound vibration into electrical impulse to be sent to the brain to be interpreted.
A disorder of the inner year which has to do with the pressure of the endolymph system causes Meniere’s disease. Betahistine or betaserc works by improving the blood supply to the inner ear which is thought to reduce the pressure of the endolymph system simultaneously. Therefore, it relieves symptoms of Meniere’s disease.
What are the Precautions Before Using Betaserc?
There are several precautions to be noted before taking a betaserc for your treatment.
- Do not take betaserc if you have experienced any allergic signs and symptoms previously from taking this medication. Some examples of severe allergic reactions include having shortness of breath, red bump rashes and itch skin, swelling of the face associated with swelling of the tongue or neck leading to difficulty in breathing.
- If you are having an adrenal disorder called pheochromocytoma. If you are unsure of having this condition, always consult a doctor before starting treatment as a precautionary step.
- Do not take this medication if you are a child or adolescent aged below 18 years old.
- If you are planning to have a baby or think you are currently pregnant, do inform your doctor or pharmacist before taking a betaserc. There is inadequate data supporting the effects of betaserc on baby and pregnancy mothers, thus it is always safe to consult the experts before taking betaserc.
- Similarly, if you are breastfeeding, stop taking betaserc unless your doctor asks you to continue taking them as there is inadequate data on passing of the active ingredient into human milk.
- It is not contraindicated for driving after taking a betaserc as it does not impair your ability to concentrate or focus while driving. However, some possible side effects such as nausea and indigestion might affect you slightly.
If you think you have any of these precautions criteria, please inform your doctor or pharmacist prior to taking this medication to avoid any possible hazardous side effects.
Possible Side Effects of Taking Betaserc
Just like any other drug, betaserc also imposes some side effects however do bear in mind that not everyone taking betaserc will experience these side effects and not all having side efefts will manifest with the same signs and symptoms. Below are some of the common side effects reported by patients taking betaser;
- Nausea and stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Headache
However, these common side effects does not require any special medical interventions unless they are becoming worse and concerning you more than you should. Apart from that, there is a very small chance in getting severe allergic reactions with symptoms like
- A drop in your blood pressure
- Difficulty in breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- A red or bumpy skin rashes associated with itchiness
If you have any of these severe allergic reactions, do consult your doctor immediately for further emergency treatments.