Serc

How does it work?

Serc tablets contain the active ingredient betahistine, which is a medicine that closely resembles the natural substance histamine. (NB. Betahistine is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

Betahistine is used to relieve the symptoms of Ménière's disease, which is a disorder of the inner ear. The fluid in the ear (found in a structure called the labyrinth) provides continual feedback to the brain about our body position. When something disturbs the balance of this fluid, for example an increase in its pressure, this can cause sensations such as nausea, dizziness or spinning sensations (vertigo), ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing problems. This is what happens in Ménière's disease.

Betahistine works by acting on histamine receptors that are found in the walls of blood vessels in the inner ear. By activating these receptors, a process is started which ultimately reduces the pressure of the fluid that fills the labyrinth in the inner ear. This helps relieve the symptoms associated with Ménière's disease.

What is it used for?

Vertigo, tinnitus and hearing problems associated with Ménière's disease

Use with caution in

History of peptic ulcer

Asthma

Not to be used in

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Itching (pruritus)

Disturbances of the gut such as indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Headache

Rash

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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