URUTAL: Uses, Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions
URUTAL is a brand of Betahistine Hydrochloride. This medication is used to treat vertigo and other balance disorders. Betahistine is a histamine analog that acts as a partial histamine H1 receptor agonist and a histamine H3 receptor antagonist.
The main benefits of URUTAL include:
- Reducing vertigo: URUTAL can reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks in people with Meniere’s disease.
- Decreasing tinnitus: Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a common symptom of Meniere’s disease. URUTAL may help reduce the severity of tinnitus.
- Improving balance: By reducing vertigo and other symptoms of Meniere’s disease, URUTAL may improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
URUTAL is produced by Belupo a leading pharmaceutical company in Central and Eastern Europe and it is available in the following strengths:
- URUTAL 8 mg tablets containing 8mg of Betahistine Hydrochloride
- URUTAL 16 mg tablets containing 16 mg of Betahistine Hydrochloride
- URUTAL 24 mg tablets containing 24 mg of Betahistine Hydrochloride
How it works
Betahistine the active ingredient in URUTAL works by increasing blood flow to the inner ear, which can help reduce symptoms of balance disorders such as vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
The exact mechanism of action of betahistine is not fully understood, but it is believed to act on histamine receptors in the body. Specifically, it acts as a partial agonist at histamine H1 receptors and as an antagonist at histamine H3 receptors.
By acting on histamine receptors, betahistine is thought to improve blood flow to the inner ear and increase the activity of the vestibular system, which plays a key role in maintaining balance and orientation. This can help reduce symptoms of balance disorders and improve the overall quality of life.
While the exact mechanisms of action of betahistine are still being studied, clinical trials and observational studies have shown that it can be an effective treatment for a range of balance disorders, including Ménière’s disease, vestibular vertigo, and dizziness.
How this medication is taken
The dosage and duration of URUTAL will depend on the severity of the condition and individual response. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and not exceed the recommended URUTAL dose.
The usual recommended dose of URUTAL for adults is 24 mg to 48 mg given in 2 or 3 divided doses (i.e., 12 mg to 24 mg twice a day, or 8 mg to 16 mg three times a day). To prevent stomach upset, it is recommended that this medication be taken with food.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a URUTAL dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take URUTAL exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The use of any URUTAL during pregnancy should be carefully considered and discussed with a healthcare provider, weighing the potential benefits against the potential risks to the developing fetus. URUTAL has not been well studied in pregnant women, and there is limited data on its safety during pregnancy.
Animal studies have not shown any evidence of harmful effects on the developing fetus, but these studies may not always accurately reflect the effects in humans.
Regarding breastfeeding, it is not known whether URUTAL is excreted into breast milk. As a precaution, it is generally recommended to avoid using betahistine during breastfeeding unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the infant.
It is important to always consult with a healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Side Effects
URUTAL is generally well tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects, and the severity and duration of side effects can vary from person to person.
Common side effects of URUTAL include:
• Headache
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Upset stomach
• Drowsiness
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own as the body adjusts to the medication. If you experience these side effects and they are bothersome, talk to your doctor about ways to manage them.
Rarely, URUTAL can cause more serious side effects, including:
• Allergic reactions (such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing)
• Liver problems (such as jaundice or elevated liver enzymes)
If you experience any of these more serious side effects, stop taking URUTAL and seek medical attention immediately.
It is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new medication and to report any side effects that you experience while taking URUTAL. They can help you manage any side effects and adjust your treatment as needed.
Interactions
There are some medications and substances that may interact with URUTAL, including:
1. Antihistamines: Taking antihistamines with URUTAL may reduce the effectiveness of both medications.
2. Central nervous system (CNS) depressants: URUTAL may enhance the effects of CNS depressants, such as alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers, leading to drowsiness and impaired cognitive function.
3. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): URUTAL should not be used with MAOIs or within two weeks of discontinuing an MAOI, as it may cause an increase in blood pressure.
4. Medications that affect stomach acidity: URUTAL may be less effective when taken with medications that increase stomach acidity, such as proton pump inhibitors.
5. Other medications that affect blood flow: URUTAL may interact with medications that affect blood flow, such as vasodilators, leading to changes in blood pressure.
It’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any medications or supplements you are taking before starting URUTAL to avoid any potential interactions.
Storage
URUTAL should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. The ideal temperature for storing betahistine is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s important to keep the medication in its original packaging and to not remove the desiccant (small packet that absorbs moisture) that is included in the container.
It’s also important to keep URUTAL out of reach of children and pets, as it can be harmful if ingested in large amounts. If you have any expired or unused betahistine, it should be disposed of properly, following your local regulations for medication disposal. You can ask your pharmacist for advice on how to properly dispose of unused medication.
