Serc® (Betahistine) for Ménière’s Symptoms: Uses, Dosing, and Savings

What Betahistine Is and How It Works

Betahistine is a histamine-analog medicine used to reduce vertigo, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear associated with Ménière’s disease. It is taken by mouth as betahistine dihydrochloride (HCl) tablets in strengths such as 8 mg, 16 mg, and 24 mg. You can order betahistine online with a valid prescription at Canadian prices.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and a licensed pharmacist reviews every prescription before dispensing. We also work with vetted, licensed partner pharmacies abroad to supply authentic brand medications, keep a wide selection available, and support affordable pricing.

How it works: betahistine is a weak H1 agonist and an H3 antagonist. It improves inner-ear microcirculation, reduces endolymphatic pressure, and helps stabilize vestibular function. Many patients use betahistine 16 mg or 24 mg per dose, taken two or three times daily. Consistent dosing supports steady symptom control over time.

Common indications include Ménière’s disease and recurrent vestibular vertigo. Betahistine does not stop an acute spinning episode immediately, but regular use may reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks. It is available as betahistine HCl tablets from several manufacturers, and is a generic alternative to Serc.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical adult dosing: 16 mg three times daily or 24 mg twice daily. Daily amounts usually range from 24 mg to 48 mg.
• Initiation: some start at 8–16 mg twice daily and increase over several days to reduce stomach upset.
• Maximum commonly used dose: 48 mg per day, adjusted by your prescriber based on response and tolerability.
• Administration: take with food and water. Swallow tablets whole or split only if your product is scored and your prescriber approves.
• Consistency: take doses at the same times each day for steady control.
• Missed dose: if close to the next dose, skip the missed tablet. Do not double up.
• Duration: ongoing therapy may be needed. Benefits often build gradually over weeks.

• Storage: store at 15–25 °C (59–77 °F). Keep dry, away from heat and humidity.
• Packaging: keep tablets in the original bottle or blister to protect from moisture.
• Travel: carry in hand luggage with your prescription label. Avoid leaving tablets in hot cars or near heaters.
• Temperature: brief excursions up to 30 °C (86 °F) are usually acceptable; avoid freezing and direct sunlight.
• Organization: use a pill organizer if helpful, and keep desiccants with bottles that include them.

Benefits and Savings

Regular use can reduce vertigo attacks, shorten episode duration, and improve balance between attacks. Some people also report less ear fullness and a reduction in tinnitus intensity. Taking a tablet is convenient, and betahistine is available in practical strengths like betahistine 8 mg, betahistine 16 mg, and betahistine 24 mg to tailor dosing.

Buying from Canada can lower your betahistine cost. Many customers save 60–80% versus typical US prices. A betahistine prescription is required, and multi-month supplies may reduce the per-month betahistine price. You can set simple reorder reminders so you do not run out.

For occasional promotions, see our betahistine coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: nausea, stomach pain, dyspepsia, bloating, or gas (often improve when taken with food).
• Nervous system: headache, mild dizziness, or sleep disturbance.
• Skin: rash or itching.
• Less common: palpitations or flushing.

Serious reactions are rare. Stop the drug and seek care for signs of allergic reaction (hives, swelling, breathing trouble). Use caution if you have active peptic ulcer disease or severe asthma, as betahistine may aggravate symptoms in some cases. It is contraindicated in pheochromocytoma. Antihistamines may reduce efficacy. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (including MAO-B inhibitors such as selegiline) may increase betahistine levels; your prescriber may adjust therapy. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with your clinician, as data are limited.

Onset Time

Some people notice fewer or milder vertigo episodes within 2–3 weeks of steady dosing. Stomach-related side effects usually settle during this period when tablets are taken with food.

Full effect may take 6–8 weeks, and further gains can occur over 2–3 months. Consistent daily use of betahistine dihydrochloride 16 mg or 24 mg, as prescribed, supports more reliable symptom control. If episodes continue unchanged after several weeks, your prescriber may adjust the dose or overall plan.

Compare With Alternatives

Meclizine and other vestibular suppressants can help nausea and motion sensitivity during acute vertigo, but they often cause drowsiness and are best used short term. Betahistine is used longer term to reduce attack frequency and severity, with generally less sedation.

Benzodiazepines (such as diazepam or clonazepam) can calm the vestibular system in the short run, but they carry risks of sedation and dependence. Diuretics combined with a low-salt diet are also used in some Ménière’s patients to reduce fluid pressure in the inner ear.

When comparing options for Menieres Disease, your prescriber may consider the pattern of attacks, tolerance for sedation, and comorbidities. To learn more about tablet strengths and usage, read Your Guide To Betahistine Tablets Uses Dosage And Safety.

Combination Therapy

• Betahistine with a low-sodium diet and, if appropriate, a diuretic to help manage fluid balance.
• Short-term vestibular suppressants (for example, meclizine) during acute attacks; taper when stable.
• Antiemetics for severe nausea during flares.
• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises to improve balance between episodes.
• Address coexisting migraine if present, as migraine control can reduce vertigo in some patients.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates often include adults with recurrent vertigo, ear fullness, and tinnitus consistent with Ménière’s disease or related vestibular disorders. Betahistine tablet uses focus on long-term symptom reduction rather than immediate relief of an acute attack.

People who may not be good candidates include those with pheochromocytoma, uncontrolled peptic ulcer disease, or severe asthma. Caution is advised in pregnancy and lactation. Discuss possible interactions if you take antihistamines, MAO inhibitors, or other medicines that affect histamine pathways.

To manage betahistine cost, consider a 90-day supply to decrease per-month pricing, when clinically appropriate. We offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices, and betahistine HCl tablets are available in multiple strengths. Reorder reminders can help maintain steady therapy. If you have questions about strengths like betahistine HCl 16 mg or betahistine dihydrochloride 16 mg, contact our team during posted office hours.

Authoritative Sources

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Betahistine

NHS Medicine Information: Betahistine

Serc (betahistine) UK Summary of Product Characteristics

Order Betahistine from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is educational and does not replace advice from your own healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions for diagnosis, treatment, and medication use.