Serc (Betahistine 16mg) Tablets

Serc general information

What is Serc used for?

Serc tablets 16mg are used to treat Meniere's syndrome, a disorder of the inner ear, characterised by a build-up of fluid within the inner ear (endolymphatic fluid), causing dizziness, vertigo (a spinning sensation that can cause nausea and vomiting) and hearing problems, including hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Symptoms of Meniere's disease can also be due to a middle ear infection, head trauma, upper respiratory infection or from taking aspirin. Serc 16 reduces the amount of fluid in the inner ear, which helps relieve the symptoms of Meniere's syndrome.

How does Serc work?

Serc tablets 16mg contain betahistine, which is chemically similar to histamine and binds to the histamine H1 receptor, acting as an agonist or mimic of histamine. The membranous labyrinth structures of the cochlea and semi-circular canals, components of the inner ear, are lubricated by a fluid called endolymph, produced by a group of small capillaries in the inner ear. Motion causes the fluid to trigger electrical signals via special sensory cells sending nerve impulses via neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate) along the auditory nerve to the brain to be interpreted.

Meniere's syndrome is caused by a condition called endolymphatic hydrops or excess endolymphatic fluid in the middle ear, which puts pressure on the sensory cells, affecting hearing and balance. Betahistine in Serc 16 is thought to act on the H1 receptor of the capillaries causing them to relax and widen (vasodilation) and increases their permeability, allowing the excess fluid to drain back into the capillaries, reducing the amount of endolymph in the channels of channel of the middle ear and relieving the pressure on the sensory cells.

Betahistine in Serc tablets 16mg also binds to the H3 receptor on nerve cells which is thought to reduce the transmission of nerve signals that are interpreted by the brain as disruption to hearing and balance. These actions of Serc 16 help relieve the symptoms of Meniere's syndrome, including vertigo (a spinning sensation that can cause nausea and vomiting) and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

What does Serc contain?

Serc tablets 16mg contain the active ingredient betahistine dihydrochloride, a vasodilator and histamine receptor agonist that is used to treat Meniere's syndrome. 

What are the inactive ingredients in Serc Tablets?

Serc tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: Colloidal anhydrous silica, microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, citric acid monohydrate and purified talc.

Treating Meniere's syndrome with Serc

Serc tablets 16mg contain betahistine, which is chemically similar to histamine and acts by binding to histamine receptors. Meniere's syndrome is a disorder of the inner ear, characterised by a build-up of endolymph, a fluid than lubricates the membranous labyrinth structures of the cochlea and semi-circular canals, a condition called endolymphatic hydrops or excess endolymphatic fluid. This fluid build-up within components of the inner ear puts pressure on the sensory cells, that send nerve impulses along the auditory nerve to the brain to be interpreted, affecting hearing and balance.

Betahistine in Serc 16 is thought to act on the H1 receptor of the capillaries in the microcirculation of the ear, causing them to relax and widen (vasodilation) which relieves the pressure by allowing excess fluid to drain back into the capillaries, reducing the amount of endolymph in the channels of channel of the middle ear and relieving the pressure on the sensory cells.

Betahistine in Serc tablets 16mg also binds to the H3 receptor on nerve cells which is thought to reduce the transmission of nerve signals that are interpreted by the brain as disruption to hearing and balance. These actions of Serc 16 help relieve the symptoms of Meniere's syndrome, including vertigo (a spinning sensation that can cause nausea and vomiting) and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

What are the side effects of Serc?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Serc tablets 16mg include gastrointestinal disturbances, occasional dizziness, headache, or insomnia, which can be reduced by taking during meals and usually disappear with reduced dosage.

When should Serc not be used?

You should not use Serc tablets 16mg if you:

• are allergic to betahistine or any ingredients in Serc
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have a phaeochromocytoma, a tumour of the adrenal gland
• have or have had active peptic ulcer
• are taking antihistamines for allergies, which may affect how well Serc works

How should Serc be taken?

You should take your Serc tablets 16mg with a glass of water 2-3 times daily with food. The dose you take depends on your condition and your doctors’ recommendations. You should continue to take your Serc 16 for as long as recommended by your doctor, as it may take up to 2 weeks before you see an improvement in your condition.

How long should you take Serc?

You should continue to take your Serc 16 for as long as recommended by your doctor as it may take up to 2 weeks before you see an improvement in your condition.

Missed dose of Serc?

If you miss a dose of Serc 16 take it as soon as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Serc be stored?

You should store your Serc tablets 16mg below 25°C in a cool dry place and protect from light, kept well out of reach of children.