Hi.

Thanks for the query.

Betahistine hydrochloride belongs to the group of antihistaminics. It acts by increasing the cochlear blood flow (CBF), presumed to be due to the drug effect on the later wall capillary bed or larger feeding vessels in the vestibulo-cochlear vascular system.

The increase in the blood flow and dilatation of the blood vessels in turn reduces the pressure inside the endolymphatic organs (those structures in the inner ear labyrinth containing various fluids, which helps in transmission of sounds), hence reducing the episodes of vertigo as well as prevention of hearing loss.

Betahistine is usually avoided with other antihistaminics such as Diphenhydramine, Meclizine, Histamine-2 (H2) blockers (e.g., Cimetidine). Eptoin can be used along with Betahistine and does not cause any adverse reactions.

It would be better to use Betahistine along with Lasix rather than with Eptoin, as Betahistine would be sufficient enough for the prophylactic management of Meniere's disease.

Discuss with your treating doctor, as he is going to followup your progress.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing back

Prochlorperazine (Stemetil MD) is a dopamine receptor antagonist, the one which blocks the action of dopamine receptors in the brain leading to suppression of nausea and dizziness. It does, work wonders in acute episodes but not recommended for long term usage because of its side effects (extra pyramidal symptoms).

Stugeron is an antihistamine similar to betahistine, it helps in relaxing the smooth muscles in the blood vessels leading to increased blood flow. And also, it increases the flexibility of the red blood corpuscles to help them squeeze through the minor blood vessels hence improving the micro-circulation to the important organs in the inner ear. One of the main adverse effects of this product is transient drowsiness and blurred vision.

To sum it up, even though both stugeron and stemetil gives excellent results in an acute case, owing to the side effects betahistine is a much preferred drug which mainly acts on the endolymphatic organs in the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear.

I would suggest you to continue with Betahistine three times a day for a minimum period of one month with the dosage as mentioned by your doctor, it will definitely help you. You can use stemetil only when you are having acute attack of dizziness with vomiting.

Finally, I am sorry to say that there is no cure for this problem and no one medicine will be effective in the treatment of this condition. All these medicines can give you temporary relief only, but there are few preventive measures which if you follow can reduce the symptoms and also halt the progression of the disease (these are just the beliefs but there is no valid reason or proof):
1. Use less salt in the diet
2. Avoid stress
3. Avoid smoking
4. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises

Wish you good health

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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