BETAHISTINE 24 UNICORN :uses,Dose,Side-Effects

It is a prescription tablet used to help manage dizziness (vertigo) linked to Ménière’s disease. It contains betahistine dihydrochloride 24 mg per tablet. In simple terms, betahistine helps improve blood flow in the inner ear so pressure does not build up, which can reduce dizzy spells. This medicine is classified in South Africa as Schedule 3 (S3) and should only be used under guidance from a healthcare professional.

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What it is and what it is used for

Betahistine in BETAHISTINE 24 UNICORN is similar to histamine, a natural chemical in the body. It is prescribed to treat dizziness (vertigo) associated with Ménière’s disease. Use this medicine only for the condition your doctor has diagnosed.

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How it works

Betahistine improves blood flow in the inner ear, which helps to lower pressure in that area. When pressure in the inner ear is reduced, vertigo symptoms may improve. Think of it as helping the “fluid pressure system” of the inner ear to balance out, so dizzy episodes are less likely.

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Who should NOT use this medicine

Do not take BETAHISTINE 24 UNICORN if:

• You are allergic (hypersensitive) to betahistine dihydrochloride or any of the ingredients in the tablets.
• You have a phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour) that can raise blood pressure.

Children and adolescents: Do not use in anyone under 18 years of age.

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Warnings and precautions (Read before use)

Medical conditions—talk to your doctor first if you have:

• A stomach ulcer or a history of ulcer symptoms.
• Asthma.
• A tendency to allergic reactions that cause rashes or swelling.
• Severely low blood pressure.
• Porphyria (an inherited disorder affecting blood pigment).

Other medicines—important interactions and timing

• Antihistamines (for allergies or colds): using these at the same time as betahistine may reduce the effect of both medicines. If you are currently taking an antihistamine, your doctor may taper it down over about 6 days before you begin betahistine.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (used for depression or Parkinson’s disease): tell your doctor if you take or have taken these.

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you use, including complementary or traditional remedies.

Food and stomach sensitivity

Betahistine can cause mild stomach upset (such as nausea, pain, discomfort, bloating). Taking it after a meal can help prevent these effects.

Driving and using machines

Betahistine may cause drowsiness. Only drive or operate machinery once you know how this medicine affects you.

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Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: Do not take BETAHISTINE 24 UNICORN if you are pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: It is not known whether betahistine passes into breast milk; therefore, do not use while breastfeeding.
• If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice before use.

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Interactions

• Antihistamines: May reduce each other’s effects when taken with betahistine; your doctor may reduce and stop the antihistamine over approximately 6 days before you start betahistine.
• MAOIs: Tell your doctor if you are taking medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Practical tip: Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any other medicine without discussing it with your healthcare provider while on betahistine.

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How to take (Step-by-step)

1. Follow your prescription. Take exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not share your medicine with anyone else.
2. Usual adult dose: 24–48 mg per day (that is 1–2 tablets daily), taken in divided doses. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on how you respond.
3. With food: If you get stomach upset, take your doses after meals.
4. Missed dose: If you forget a dose, take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed tablet.
5. Do not stop suddenly: Do not stop taking betahistine without speaking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
6. Overdose: If you take more than prescribed, you may develop headache, flushing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, breathing difficulty (especially if you have asthma), or swelling of the upper airways. Contact your doctor, pharmacist, nearest hospital, or a poison centre immediately. Take the leaflet and remaining tablets with you so the healthcare team knows exactly what you took.

Note: Your doctor will tell you how long to continue treatment. If betahistine feels too strong or too weak, let your doctor or pharmacist know.

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Dosing table

Important: Only use doses prescribed by your doctor. The information below summarises what is stated in the source.

Age group	Dose per day	How to take	Maximum daily dose
Adults (18+ years)	24–48 mg/day	In divided doses (take after meals if needed)	Not specified in the source
Children and adolescents (<18 years)	Not recommended	—	—

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Possible side effects

Not everyone experiences side effects. If your general health worsens or you notice any troubling symptom, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Serious—seek urgent help and stop the tablets

• Allergic reaction: trouble breathing; swelling of hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth, or throat (may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing); inflamed, itchy rash with swelling.
• Chest symptoms: fast heartbeat or tightness in the chest.
• Breathing conditions: worsening of existing bronchial asthma.

These reactions may require urgent medical attention.

Common (frequent)

• Headache
• Nausea and indigestion

Less common

• Feeling of pressure in the head
• Retching, heartburn, stomach discomfort or pain, flatulence (gas)

Frequency not known (reported, but rate not specified)

• Occasional drowsiness
• Skin rashes and itching

What to do: For mild stomach-related effects, taking the medicine after meals may help. If any symptom is severe, persistent, or worries you, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

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Storage and disposal

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store at or below 25 °C.
• Keep the blister strips in the outer carton until use to protect from moisture and handling.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the blister or carton.
• Return unused or expired tablets to your pharmacist.
• Do not dispose of medicines in sinks, toilets, or other sewerage systems.

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What the medicine contains

• Active ingredient: Betahistine dihydrochloride 24 mg per tablet.
• Other ingredients (excipients): Citric acid anhydrous, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, talc.
• Sugar notice: Contains mannitol 61.80 mg per tablet.

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Pack information and appearance

• Tablet description: White, round, biconvex, uncoated tablet; scored on one side with the embossing “II” on either side of the score; plain on the other side.
• Pack size: 20 tablets.
• Packaging types:
  • Blister pack: PVC/PVdC/Aluminium foil blister (standard pharmaceutical packaging).
  • HDPE bottle: Round, white, opaque high-density polyethylene bottle with a polypropylene screw cap and induction seal.

Holder of certificate of registration: Unicorn Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd, Cnr. Searle & Pontac Streets.

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Practical FAQs (based ONLY on the source)

Q1. What condition is BETAHISTINE 24 UNICORN used for?
It is used to treat dizziness (vertigo) associated with Ménière’s disease.

Q2. How does it help with vertigo?
It improves blood flow in the inner ear and reduces pressure, which can lessen dizzy spells.

Q3. What is the usual dose for adults?
24–48 mg per day (that equals 1–2 tablets daily), taken in divided doses as directed by your doctor.

Q4. Can children or teenagers use this medicine?
No. It should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years.

Q5. I’m taking an antihistamine. Can I start betahistine now?
Using antihistamines and betahistine together may reduce the effect of both. If you are on an antihistamine, your doctor may lower and stop it over about 6 days before starting betahistine.

Q6. I’m on an MAOI for depression/Parkinson’s—what should I do?
Tell your doctor. MAOIs are listed as medicines to discuss before taking betahistine.

Q7. Can I take it with food?
Yes. Taking it after a meal can help prevent nausea, stomach pain, discomfort, or bloating.

Q8. Will it make me sleepy?
It may cause drowsiness. Only drive or use machinery when you know how it affects you.

Q9. What if I miss a dose?
Just take the next dose at the usual time. Do not double up to make up for the missed tablet.

Q10. What should I do if I take too many tablets?
Seek help immediately from a doctor, pharmacist, hospital, or poison centre. Take the leaflet and remaining tablets with you. Symptoms of overdose may include headache, flushing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, breathing difficulties (especially if you have asthma), and swelling of the upper airways.

Q11. Can I use it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. Do not take during pregnancy, and do not use while breastfeeding.

Q12. How should I store the tablets?
At or below 25 °C, out of reach of children, and keep blister strips in the outer carton until needed.

Q13. Does it contain sugar?
Yes. Each tablet contains mannitol 61.80 mg.

Q14. Can I stop taking it once I feel better?
Do not stop without speaking to your doctor.