SERC is used to treat a disorder of your inner ear. This disorder may include one or more of the following symptoms, in one or both ears: ringing in the ears (tinnitus), loss of clear hearing and problems with balance (vertigo). These symptoms may also be associated with nausea, vomiting and headache.
It is thought that a build-up of fluid in the inner ear causes the symptoms. Treatment can help to ease and prevent symptoms. Betahistine is thought to work by increasing the blood flow around the inner ear. This reduces the amount of fluid in the inner ear and prevents symptoms from developing.
The full name of this medicine is betahistine dihydrochloride. It's thought to work by reducing build-up of fluid in the inner ear. This helps to reduce how often you get Ménière's disease symptoms and to make them milder. It comes as tablets and is available on prescription only.
If you follow your doctor's instructions Serc should start working within a few days, although in some cases it may take a few weeks. The length of time that you should take Serc tablets varies from patient to patient. Some patients respond rapidly to treatment and others may take some time.
It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks before any response to betahistine is noticeable. If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day.
SERC contains the active ingredient betahistine dihydrochloride. SERC is used to treat a disorder of your inner ear. This disorder may include one or more of the following symptoms, in one or both ears: ringing in the ears (tinnitus), loss of clear hearing and problems with balance (vertigo).
You may need to take betahistine for a long time, such as several months or years, to prevent the symptoms of Ménière's disease.
Common side effects (at least 1 in 100 and less than 1 in 10 patients): Nausea, indigestion, headaches. Itching, rash, hives, mild gastric complaints such as vomiting, stomach pain and bloating. Taking Serc with food can help reduce any stomach problems.
Caution is recommended when using betahistine and MAO inhibitors (including MAO-B selective) concomitantly. As betahistine is an analogue of histamine, interaction of betahistine with antihistamines may in theory affect the efficacy of one of these drugs.
Studies did not show differences in tinnitus loudness, severity of tinnitus symptoms or side effects between participants receiving betahistine and participants receiving a placebo[1].
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur: signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of face or throat, hives, or difficulty breathing)
Anxiety symptoms
The repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of time (P<0.00001), indicating that both high-dose and low-dose betahistine could significantly reduce the HARS score.
To ease discomfort, you can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), or an analgesic pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
During an attack, the person experiences vertigo – a sensation that they or the world around them is moving. They feel dizzy and sick, their hearing is dominated by a hissing or roaring sound (tinnitus), and one or both ears feel full to bursting point.
Betahistine is unlikely to do you any harm, even if you take it for a long time. It's generally a very safe medicine.
This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Generally, it is used only as needed. This medication may irritate the stomach, and should be taken with food.
Betahistine Brand name: Serc.
After absorption, betahistine is rapidly and almost completely metabolized into 2-PAA (which has no pharmacological activity). After oral administration of betahistine the plasma (and urinary) concentration of 2-PAA reaches its maximum 1 hour after intake and declines with a half-life of about 3.5 hours.
How should I use this medication? The usual recommended dose of betahistine for adults is 24 mg to 48 mg given in 2 or 3 divided doses (i.e., 12 mg to 24 mg twice a day, or 8 mg to 16 mg three times a day). To prevent stomach upset, it is recommended that this medication be taken with food.
Betahistine is effective in improving vertigo-associated symptoms, with longer treatment periods leading to greater improvements; however, it is not known whether these effects persist after treatment cessation.
Stomach upset, nausea, and headache may occur. This medication may also rarely cause drowsiness.
The following serious side effects may occur during treatment with Betahistine: Allergic reactions: • a red or lumpy skin rash or inflamed itchy skin • swelling of your face, lips, tongue or neck • a drop in your blood pressure • loss of consciousness • difficulty breathing If any of these side effects occur you should ...
Results. Epley maneuver, alone or combined with betahistine or placebo, was found to be very effective with a primary success rate of 86.2%.