Betahistine
Betahistine is a histamine analog medication primarily used to treat vestibular disorders, particularly Meniere's disease and related conditions causing vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. It works by improving blood flow in the inner ear and reducing pressure buildup in the vestibular system.
Betahistine is used to treat vertigo and related symptoms of inner ear disorders like Meniere's disease.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N07CA01
- RxNorm
- 1511
- Generic
- Betahistine
- Class
- atc-n07
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks - limited clinical data available
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if clearly needed - discuss risks and benefits with healthcare provider
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue before delivery if possible - consult physician
fetal monitoring close to delivery
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
betahistine is excreted in breast milk - avoid breastfeeding during treatment
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose
use with caution due to potential increased sensitivity - monitor for cardiovascular effects
regular blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
safety and efficacy not established in pediatric population - do not use in children under 18
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild renal impairment
routine renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
moderateconsider dose reduction
use with caution - consider reducing dose and monitor renal function
regular monitoring of renal function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction
use with extreme caution in severe renal impairment - significant dose reduction required
close monitoring of renal function and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild hepatic impairment
routine liver function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderateconsider dose reduction
use with caution - consider reducing starting dose and monitor liver function
regular liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction
use with extreme caution in severe hepatic impairment - start at very low dose
close monitoring of liver function and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Betahistine
Common uses
Therapeutic indications for Betahistine
Mechanism of action
Molecular mechanism of Betahistine
Availability
Regulatory status of Betahistine
Treatment of Meniere's disease symptoms including vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. May also be used for other vestibular disorders and balance problems.
Acts as a histamine H1 receptor agonist and H3 receptor antagonist, improving blood flow in the inner ear and reducing vestibular symptoms by normalizing pressure in the labyrinth.
Contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma, active peptic ulcer disease, and asthma. May cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, headache, or drowsiness. Effectiveness varies between patients. Always follow prescribing physician's instructions regarding dosage and duration.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy