Betahistine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Betahistine is a histamine-like medicine for vertigo. It is a prescription medicine used for meniere's disease, vertigo and tinnitus. In Pakistan it is available as tablets and cream, made by 8 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Betahistine works
Betahistine acts like a weak form of histamine in the inner ear. It is thought to improve blood flow there and reduce the build-up of fluid pressure that triggers vertigo, and it may also calm signals from the balance centres in the brain.
What is Betahistine used for?
- Meniere's disease
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
Betahistine is used to reduce the symptoms of Meniere's disease, an inner-ear condition that causes repeated spells of vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), a feeling of fullness and hearing loss. It aims to make vertigo attacks less frequent and less severe. Doctors also prescribe it for some other types of vertigo linked to the inner ear. It is taken long term rather than for quick relief.
Side effects of Betahistine
Betahistine is usually well tolerated. When side effects do occur, they tend to be mild and may include:
- Indigestion or mild stomach upset
- Nausea
- Headache
- Bloating
- Itchy skin rash
Seek urgent medical help for swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing. Vertigo that comes with weakness, numbness, slurred speech or double vision needs emergency assessment, as it may not be coming from the inner ear.
Precautions and warnings
- Taking Betahistine with food can reduce stomach upset.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, a history of stomach ulcers, or a rare adrenal tumour called phaeochromocytoma.
- Antihistamines, including some cough and allergy remedies, may reduce its effect, so check with your pharmacist before taking them.
- It can take some weeks before you notice a benefit, so keep taking it as prescribed.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use it only if your doctor advises.
Frequently asked questions about Betahistine
What is the price of Betahistine in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Betahistine products currently in stock range from Rs 169 to Rs 1,209 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Setspin 8mg Tablets at Rs 169. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Betahistine are available in Pakistan?
Betahistine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Serc (Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Ltd), Enier (Sami Pharma Ltd), Bitigo (Curem Health Care), Provate (Surge Laboratories Ltd), Betnesol (Glaxo Smithkline Ltd), Vergo (Genetics Pharmaceuticals), D-vert (Remington Pharmaceuticals Industries) and Dowbet (Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals Ltd), along with 1 more brands listed below.Do I need a prescription for Betahistine?
Yes. Betahistine is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Betahistine be used during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use it only if your doctor advises.
Are all Betahistine brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Betahistine in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Betahistine brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 13 products containing Betahistine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
