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Betahistine Hydrochloride is a histamine analog that Bayview compounds to a prescriber's order.
Betahistine Hydrochloride is an active pharmaceutical ingredient used in compounded preparations for vestibular symptoms. Outside the United States it is licensed for Ménière's disease,[2] a condition characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss, and it is used to relieve vertigo associated with the disease.[1] Betahistine is a histamine analog that acts as a weak agonist at H1 receptors and a strong antagonist at H3 receptors; H3 antagonism increases histamine turnover, and it is suggested to increase circulation in the inner ear.[1][2]
Stimulation of H1 receptors in the inner ear is thought to cause vasodilation and reduce endolymphatic pressure.[1] Evidence for clinical benefit is limited: a Cochrane review found low-quality evidence that betahistine may reduce vertigo symptoms,[3] and a NICE evidence review found no clinically important difference between betahistine and placebo in quality of life for people with Ménière's disease.[2] When taken orally, betahistine is rapidly and almost completely absorbed and is metabolized primarily to the inactive metabolite 2-pyridylacetic acid, which is mainly excreted in the urine.[1]
Betahistine is generally well tolerated with a low risk of adverse events. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms and headache.[3] Prescribers should consider potential interactions with other medications.
Bayview Pharmacy compounds Betahistine Hydrochloride capsules on a prescriber's order.
Compounded at Bayview
Patient guides for the preparations we make most often. Each one is compounded to order and requires a prescription.
For prescribers
Every preparation in our formulary that contains this ingredient. Strength, base and dose form are set by the prescription.
Betahistine is a histamine analog taken by mouth, studied mainly for the vertigo, dizziness, and tinnitus linked to Ménière's disease. In the US it is available only as a compounded, prescription-only capsule.
Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.
This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.
Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.
A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.
Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.
