How does the drug Betagistin (tablets) work? Instructions for use, reviews, description and properties of this medication will be presented below. In addition, we will tell you about why this remedy is prescribed, how much it costs, whether it has side effects and contraindications.
Composition, description and form
The release form of this medicine is one - tablets. However, they are produced with different amounts of active substance:
- Round cylindrical white tablets with dose marking of the active component (betahistine dihydrochloride) - 8 mg.
- Oblong and biconvex tablets with rounded edges with dose marking of the active substance (betahistine dihydrochloride) - 16 or 24 mg.
As auxiliary ingredients, these forms contain sodium lauryl sulfate, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and citric acid.
Pharmacological action of the drug
What is Betagistin Medication? Instructions for use (the price of this medicine is indicated below) reports that this drug is an analogue of histamine, which was created synthetically.
The active ingredient of the tablets is able to use the histamine H-3 and H-1 receptors (strong and weak antagonists) of the central nervous system (i.e. receptors of the vestibular nuclei and inner ear).
After taking the medicine, it immediately affects the blood flow, helping to stimulate microcirculation and permeability of the capillaries of the inner ear. Also, the active component of this medication is able to stabilize the pressure of the endolymph in the cochlea.
Due to the fact that Betagistin is an inhibitor of the N-3 receptors of the nuclei of the vestibular system, it has a pronounced effect on the central nervous system. Thus, the drug in question stabilizes the transmission (neuronal) in the neurons of the vestibular nucleus.
With the right medication, he is able to quickly eliminate the signs of vestibular dizziness. The exposure time of the active component of this medicine is from several minutes to one day.
Regular administration of the drug under the supervision of a doctor reduces the incidence of dizziness, reduces ringing and tinnitus, and also restores hearing when it worsens.
This medication does not have a sedative effect and does not cause disturbances in coordination.
Pharmacokinetic properties
The drug "Betagestin" from dizziness is absorbed quickly and completely. Its peak blood concentrations are reached approximately 65 minutes after fasting.
The active substance of the drug binds to proteins by less than 5%.
The drug is excreted by metabolizing to inactive metabolites - demethylbetagistin and 2-pyridylacetic acid. Almost complete elimination of the drug occurs throughout the day through the kidneys (about 90%). As for the remaining 10%, they are excreted through the intestines.
Indications for use
The drug "Betagestin" for dizziness is prescribed to patients very often. In addition, the drug is used to treat Meniere's syndrome, as well as to eliminate tinnitus, nausea, partial hearing loss and impaired coordination.
It should be specially noted that Meniere's syndrome manifests itself in the form of auditory and vestibular disorders that have not previously been observed in humans. It can also occur in the form of an acute stroke. Meniere's syndrome is highly likely to recur frequently.
Contraindications
Now you know the purpose of using the drug "Betagestin". He rescues from dizziness very well. However, this medication has contraindications. It can not be prescribed to people with pheochromocytoma.
Due to the fact that this medication is a synthetic analogue of histamine, its use can contribute to the release of catecholamines, which, in turn, leads to severe hypertension.
It should also be noted that taking Betagistin tablets is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to any other excipients that make up the drug.
Drug instruction
The drug "Betagestin" from dizziness must be taken strictly in accordance with the attached instructions.
- Dosage for adult patients.
Betagistin tablets are prescribed in a dosage of 8 or 16 mg three times a day (at the beginning of treatment) with or after meals. The maintenance dose of the drug varies between 24-48 mg per day (at the discretion of the doctor).
The daily dosage of the medication should not be higher than 48 mg. It is adjusted taking into account all the individual characteristics of the patient. Sometimes an improvement in his condition can be observed only after a few weeks.
- Treatment of people with heart, kidney and liver failure.
For patients with such diagnoses, the drug Betagistin can be prescribed only after a medical examination.
- Treatment of the elderly.
In old age, the drug must be prescribed with extreme caution. This is due to the fact that in this group of patients there is a huge likelihood of side effects from the body on the auxiliary and active substances that are part of the tablets.
- Treatment for children and adolescents.
The drug "Betagestin" for dizziness is not prescribed for children and adolescents (less than 18 years old). This is due to a lack of information on the effectiveness and safety of the drug.
Overdose cases
In case of an overdose of Betagistin, some patients may experience symptoms in the form of nausea, headache, abdominal pain and drowsiness (when taken in a dose of up to 640 mg).
Also, patients may complain of convulsions, vomiting, dyspepsia and ataxia.
More serious complications include cardiovascular and pulmonary complications (observed with intentional overdose).
Treatment - gastric lavage for 60 minutes after ingestion.
Side effects
Not all patients taking Betagestin may be uncomfortable.
Doctors report that the manifestation of adverse reactions when taking any medication can mean the patient’s adaptation to a new medicine. In this regard, before discontinuing the drug, be sure to consult a doctor.
Common side effects from taking Betagistin are observed in one out of ten patients. The list of the most common unwanted effects includes symptoms such as:
- indigestion (usually occurs when taking medicine before meals);
- general feeling unwell;
- discomfort or bloating;
- headaches (you can take painkillers, but only after prior consultation with a specialist);
- allergic reactions to the skin in the form of itching and rash (you should take an antihistamine or lubricate problem areas with a moisturizer).
If these recommendations do not help to eliminate side effects, then the patient needs to see a doctor.
Drug price
The price of Betagistin tablets can be different and depend on the amount of medicine in the package. The drug in a dosage of 24 mg can be purchased for 60-65 rubles. Many patients believe that this is a fairly low cost of medication.
Drug Reviews
Reviews about the drug "Betagistin" are ambiguous. Some patients with chronic diseases of CVS take pills regularly. However, they do not always eliminate headaches and dizziness.
Both negative and positive reviews about this medication indicate that it requires special use.
Thus, with some disorders Betagistin can quickly restore the patient’s health, while with others, on the contrary, it can not have the expected effect, but only reduce the manifestation of symptoms.