What is the Difference Between Betahistine Hydrochloride and Betahistine Dihydrochloride?

The main difference between betahistine hydrochloride and betahistine dihydrochloride is the salt component. Betahistine hydrochloride has a hydrochloride salt component, while betahistine dihydrochloride has a dihydrochloride salt component. Both medications are used to treat Ménière's disorder, vertigo, and attention deficit hypersensitivity disorder (ADHD). They show similar side effects and are closely related medications.

In some cases, betahistine is also referred to as betahistidine and is available in alternative formulations, such as mesylate, dimesylate, and maleate. Despite the differences in salt components, the two forms of betahistine are considered interchangeable in most cases. However, there are concerns about potential long-term DNA toxicity due to mesilate ester contaminants, which are not present in the hydrochloride form. Detailed post-marketing surveillance data exists only for the dihydrochloride salt.

Comparative Table: Betahistine Hydrochloride vs Betahistine Dihydrochloride

Betahistine hydrochloride and betahistine dihydrochloride are closely related medications used to treat Meniere's disorder, vertigo, and attention deficit hypersensitivity disorder (ADHD). The key difference between the two is the salt component they contain:

Both betahistine hydrochloride and betahistine dihydrochloride are salts of betahistine, and they show similar side effects. The dihydrochloride salt is the most common form of this drug. Although there is a difference in the salt component, it is not clear whether there are definite differences in their efficacy, as there are no head-to-head studies comparing the two formulations in Meniere's disease.