Betahistine 16 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Vertigo (a spinning sensation) caused by Meniere's disease; Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss linked to Meniere's disease.
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.00 to ₹27.06 per tablet across 8 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betahistine Tablets IP 16 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 15 | ₹15.00 | ₹1.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Vertiford 16 | Leeford Healthcare Ltd | 10 | ₹75.00 | ₹7.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Macvert 16 | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹95.39 | ₹9.54 | 19 October 2026 |
| Vertistar MD 16 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹122.00 | ₹12.20 | 19 October 2026 |
| Verbet 16 | Albert David Ltd | 10 | ₹174.29 | ₹17.43 | 19 October 2026 |
| Betavert 16 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 15 | ₹287.81 | ₹19.19 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zevert MD 16 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 | ₹341.30 | ₹22.75 | 19 October 2026 |
| Vertin 16 | Abbott | 15 | ₹405.94 | ₹27.06 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Vertigo (a spinning sensation) caused by Meniere's disease.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss linked to Meniere's disease.
- Other inner-ear causes of vertigo, when an ENT doctor prescribes it.
How to take it
Take one 16 mg tablet with or after food, usually three times a day, or as your doctor prescribes; leave 6 to 8 hours between doses. Swallow with a glass of water. Taking it with food reduces stomach upset. It may take several weeks of regular use before vertigo attacks become less frequent, so do not stop early; your doctor will review whether to continue. See a doctor urgently if vertigo comes with sudden hearing loss, severe headache, weakness, double vision or difficulty speaking, because these need a different diagnosis.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea or indigestion.
- Headache.
- Bloating or stomach pain.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe allergic reaction – swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, itchy raised rash.
- Worsening of asthma or wheeze.
- Worsening of stomach ulcer symptoms – severe stomach pain or black stools.
Safety information
Alcohol
Alcohol worsens dizziness and balance, so avoid it while you have vertigo.
Pregnancy
Not usually used in pregnancy or breastfeeding because there is limited information. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Kidney problems
No dose change is usually needed, but tell your doctor about kidney disease.
Liver problems
No dose change is usually needed, but tell your doctor about liver disease.
Children
Not recommended under 18 years.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due, then skip it. Do not take two doses together.
Interactions
- Antihistamines for allergy or cold (cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, cinnarizine) – may reduce the effect of betahistine; ask your doctor before combining.
- MAO inhibitor antidepressants (selegiline, moclobemide) – can raise betahistine levels.
- Asthma inhalers and tablets – betahistine can worsen asthma; tell your doctor.
- Acid medicines for ulcers – tell your doctor if you have had a stomach ulcer.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vertin 16 used for?
Vertin 16 contains betahistine 16 mg. It is prescribed for vertigo, tinnitus and hearing problems caused by Meniere's disease and other inner-ear disorders. It is thought to improve blood flow in the inner ear and reduce pressure.
Vertin 8 vs Vertin 16 vs Vertin 24 – what is the difference?
They are the same medicine in different strengths. Doctors commonly use 16 mg three times a day, or 24 mg twice a day. Your doctor picks the strength based on how severe your vertigo is.
How long does Vertin take to work?
Some people feel steadier within days, but reducing the frequency of Meniere's attacks can take several weeks of regular use. Keep taking it as prescribed and review with your doctor.
Can I take Vertin 16 with alcohol?
Avoid alcohol. It worsens dizziness and balance problems and can trigger vertigo.
Can I take Vertin and Stemetil (prochlorperazine) together?
Doctors sometimes give a short course of prochlorperazine or cinnarizine for acute vertigo along with betahistine for long-term control. Antihistamines like cinnarizine may blunt betahistine's effect, so follow your doctor's plan.
Is Vertin 16 safe in pregnancy?
It is not usually used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding because there is little safety data. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be.
Can Vertin be taken on an empty stomach?
It is better taken with or after food to avoid nausea and indigestion.
Does Vertin cause drowsiness?
Betahistine usually does not cause drowsiness, unlike cinnarizine or meclizine, so it does not normally affect driving. Do not drive while you actually have vertigo.
Is Vertin 16 available without a prescription?
No. It is a Schedule H medicine, and vertigo should be assessed by a doctor because it has many causes, some of which need urgent care.
Sources
- NHS – Betahistine (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms