title: Effect of betahistine dihydrochloride on induced vestibular nystagmus: a double blind study.
abstract: The effect of betahistine on vestibular nystagmus induced by means of a torsion swing was tested in 10 subjects. Each individual received, in a randomized double-blind study, 3 different single oral dosages of betahistine (8, 16 and 32 mg) on 3 different occasions. Electronystagmographic tracings were taken at different time-intervals after drug intake. At 3-4 hours after a dose of 8 mg betahistine the nystagmus duration was reduced by 35%, after 16 mg betahistine by 48% and after 32 mg betahistine by 59% (mean values). All these differences in dose-response are highly significant (P less than 0.0005). It can be concluded from these results, that a dose of 3 X 8 mg or 3 X 16 mg betahistine daily will be efficacious in maintenance treatment of vertigo, and a dose of 3 X 24 mg betahistine daily will have even more effect.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001621:Betahistine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004584:Electronystagmography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009760:Nystagmus, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011725:Pyridines; D001621:Betahistine