Serc contains the active ingredient betahistine dihydrochloride. It belongs to a group of medicines to help treat vertigo. Serc works by improving the blood flow of the inner ear and restoring it to normal.
The usual starting dose is 16 mg three times a day (48 mg). Your doctor may lower your dose to 8 mg three times a day (24 mg).
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it. Take SERC during or immediately after a meal. If you take SERC on an empty stomach, it may cause stomach upsets.
If you take betahistine every day it is unlikely to stop all attacks, but it may reduce the number and/or the severity of your attacks. Your doctor may advise a trial of betahistine for 6-12 months to see if it helps to reduce your symptoms. If it does, it can then be continued.
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.
This medicine may cause dizziness, and tiredness in some people. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.
Vertigo is commonly caused by a problem with the way balance works in the inner ear, although it can also be caused by problems in certain parts of the brain. Causes of vertigo may include: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – where certain head movements trigger vertigo. migraines – severe headaches.
Acute vertigo is best treated with nonspecific medication such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine®) and meclizine (Bonine®). These medications are eventually weaned as they can prevent healing over the long-term, explains Dr.
SERC, Betahistine diHCl 8mg 1 Tablet [PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED] | Watsons Philippines.
What it does: SERC® is a type of medicine called a histamine-analogue. It is thought to work by helping the blood flow in your inner ear, which lowers the build up of pressure.
This medication may irritate the stomach, and should be taken with food. It is best to avoid coffee, spicy food or alcohol.
When you start taking betahistine, it may take a couple of weeks before you notice any improvements. Even when you start feeling better, your doctor may want you to carry on taking the tablets for some time, to stop your symptoms from coming back.
Meclizine and Vestibular Disorder
This action helps control the acute vertigo symptoms like spinning sensation and nausea. The drug is suitable for vertigo patients who are facing acute vertigo symptoms. The drug should not be taken for more than 5 days.
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 ...
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.
If you're experiencing a vertigo attack, the best thing to do is lie down in a quiet, dark room, close your eyes, and take deep breaths. This may help ease any nausea symptoms and reduce the sensation of spinning.
Sit or lie down immediately when you feel dizzy. Lie still with your eyes closed in a darkened room if you're experiencing a severe episode of vertigo. Avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery if you experience frequent dizziness without warning. Avoid using caffeine, alcohol, salt and tobacco.
It is best to limit tea, coffee, energy drinks, and soda. Salt: Sodium is one of the main ingredients that can trigger vertigo. Excess intake of salty foods may result in water retention in the body. This can impede the fluid balance and pressure in the body.
Dizziness
Frequent bouts about dizziness and vertigo can indicate B12 deficiency. You may experience a feeling of wobbles when you get up too fast from a sitting position.
Although vertigo usually starts with a condition in the inner ear, stress and anxiety can make it worse. Chronic stress or worry can also lead to more episodes of vertigo in the future. In stress-related vertigo, using strategies for both the body and the mind is the best way to regain your sense of balance.
Dosage and strength
Betahistine comes as 8mg or 16mg tablets. The usual starting dose is 16mg, taken 3 times a day. Leave 6 to 8 hours between doses.
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.
Migraine can be treated with one of the following medications (unfortunately, the symptom of vertigo is not very responsive to these medications): One or two 500mg paracetamol tablets, every four to six hours – but no more than eight 500mg tablets in the space of 24 hours.