Issues for surgery
Exacerbation of symptoms associated with Ménière’s disease (e.g. vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss) if omitted.
Advice in the perioperative period
Elective and emergency surgery
Continue.
Post-operative advice
Restart post-operatively when next dose due.
Interactions with common anaesthetic agents
None.
Interactions with other common medicines used in the perioperative period
Antiemetics
Betahistine is a histamine analogue; theoretically concurrent administration of betahistine with H1 receptor antagonists (e.g. cyclizine) may result in mutual attenuation of effect; however, there is only one isolated unconfirmed case report. Bear the interaction in mind in case of an unexpected response to treatment.
Further information
None relevant.
References
Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (online) London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 4th March 2021]
Summary of Product Characteristics – Betahistine 16mg tablets. Aurobindo Pharma – Milpharm Ltd. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk 04/03/2021 [date of revision of the text September 2020]
Baxter K, Preston CL (eds), Stockley’s Drug Interactions (online) London: Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 4th March 2021]