Monograph: |
Betahistine Mesylate
A white, crystalline, very hygroscopic powder. Very soluble
in water; freely soluble in alcohol; very slightly soluble in
iso-propyl alcohol. A 10% solution in water has a pH of 2 to 3.
Store in airtight containers.
Adverse Effects
Gastro-intestinal disturbances, headache, and skin rashes
have been reported.
Precautions
Betahistine should not be given to patients with phaeochro-
mocytoma. It should be given with care to patients with asth-
ma, peptic ulcer disease or a history of peptic ulcer disease.
Uses and Administration
Betahistine is an analogue of histamine and is claimed to im-
prove the microcirculation of the labyrinth resulting in re-
duced endolymphatic pressure. It is used to reduce the
symptoms of Meniereβs disease.
Betahistine is given by mouth as the hydrochloride or me-
sylate. The usual initial dose (of the hydrochloride) is 16 mg
three times daily taken preferably with meals; maintenance
doses are generally in the range of 24 to 48 mg daily. Betahis-
tine mesylate is used in similar doses.
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