Betahistine dihydrochloride 8 mg Tablets What Betahistine dihydrochloride is used for: Betahistine dihydrochloride is a medicine that is used for the treatment of Meniere’s disease which is manifested by three different signs; vertigo (dizziness linked with vomiting or nausea), tinnitus (hearing sounds in the absence of external sounds e.g. ear ringing) and hearing loss or reduced hearing ability. It is also used for the relief of vestibular vertigo symptoms (vertigo even when you are not moving). Do not take Betahistine dihydrochloride: If you are allergic to Betahistine dihydrochloride, or any of the ingredients in this medicine. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. Warnings & Precautions: Stop the medication right away and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you develop allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, skin rash, swelling of the face or neck, decreased blood pressure and dizziness. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse or are not improving after a few weeks have passed. Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have bronchial asthma (respiratory disease causing respiratory problems like shortness of breath and wheezing) or if you have previously had a stomach ulcer (sore). Your doctor will be closely monitoring you if you have bronchial asthma or a history of stomach ulcer. Do not repeat the same prescription without consulting your doctor first. Possible Side Effects: Common side effects include indigestion, nausea and headache. Other side effects (unknown frequency) include allergic reactions (e.g. swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing), gastrointestinal side effects (e.g. abdominal pain, abdominal distention, bloating and vomiting) Allergic reactions of the skin or tissues under the skin (e.g. hives; itchiness; rash; sudden neck, face or limbs swelling). Other medicines and Betahistine dihydrochloride: Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medications including prescription medicines,over the counter medicines, herbals, vitamins and supplements. Tell your doctor before starting this medicine if you are taking antihistamines (used mainly for allergies, nausea and to help you sleep). How to take Betahistine dihydrochloride: Adults and elderly Recommended total daily dose is 24 – 48 mg divided into multiple doses to be given throughout the day at equal intervals. If you are using 8 mg Betahistine dihydrochloride: take 1 -2 tablets orally three times daily. If you are using 16 mg Betahistine dihydrochloride: take ½ - 1 tablet orally three times daily. If you are using 24 mg Betahistine dihydrochloride: total daily dose is 48 mg divided over the day. Your doctor will be recommending an adjusted dosage regimen if needed depending on how you respond to the medicine. Children (under the age of 18 years) Use of this medicine is not recommended in children due to lack of efficacy and safety evidence. Take medication exactly as recommended by your doctor. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. It may take 2 weeks for your symptoms to start improving. It may also take a few months for optimal relief. The treatment is more likely to prevent disease progression and hearing loss that may result later on when treatment is initiated at the onset of the disease. No dosage adjustments of this medicine are required if you have liver or kidney problems. You may take your medicine during meals or decrease the dose if you experience gastrointestinal side effects (e.g. abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea or indigestion). How to store Betahistine dihydrochloride: Keep out of the reach of children and pets Store medication at room temperature (below 30 °C) Do not use beyond the expiry date mentioned on the box Keep medication in its original pack to protect it from moisture and light Do not use damaged tablets Do not dispose medication in the wastewater or household waste A valid prescription should be available upon delivery