Information What can I do? Treatments Tinnitus and betahistine Name of treatment Betahistine (Serc®, Betaserc®) Type of treatment Pharmaceutical Claims for treatment Reduces/eliminates the tinnitus percept by increasing the circulation of the inner ear.[1] How treatment is delivered Tablets Potential negative consequences Some studies suggest that betahistine is generally well tolerated[2] but there is some evidence of side effects – generally gastrointestinal upset.[1] Evidence offered: Papers available 5 considered in the Cochrane review.[2] 6 considered in the NICE Guidelines Evidence Review.[1] Conclusions drawn The included studies did not show differences in tinnitus loudness, severity of tinnitus symptoms or side effects between participants receiving betahistine and participants receiving a placebo.[1] NICE guidelines say do not offer betahistine to treat tinnitus.[3] Quality of evidence [4] A Does the BTA recommend this treatment? No BTA opinion on this treatment: There are other evidence-based treatments for tinnitus, which should be offered where appropriate. No medications have been shown to reliably eliminate or reduce the perception of tinnitus.[5] Would the BTA support further studies into this treatment? Yes, if the study uses rigorous methodology. Randomisation and blinding should be of the highest quality. Verdict: Safety - is this treatment harmful? Some potential for harm Verdict: Efficacy. Does this treatment work? Evidence that it is NOT effective For further information The BTA Tinnitus Support Team can answer your questions on any tinnitus related topics: Telephone: 0800 018 0527Web chat: - click on the iconEmail: [email protected]Text/SMS: 07537 416841 We also offer a free tinnitus e-learning programme, Take on Tinnitus. Download this information This information is in PDF format. tinnitus and betahistine Feedback We welcome feedback on all our information. You can pass your comments to our Communications Team: Telephone: 0114 250 9933Email: [email protected]or by writing to us at the address below. References [1] National Guideline Centre (UK). Tinnitus: assessment and management: Evidence review N: Betahistine London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK); 2020 Mar. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng155/evidence [2] Wegner I, Hall DA, Smit AL, McFerran D, Stegeman I. Betahistine for tinnitus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD013093. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013093.pub2. [3] National Guideline Centre (UK). Tinnitus: assessment and management: London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK); 2020 Mar. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng155 [4] A = Systematic review/meta analysis. B = Randomised control studies. C = Cohort studies. D = Case control studies. E = case studies/reports. +/- to be used to indicate quality within bands [5] Tunkel DE, Bauer CA, Sun GH, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Tinnitus. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2014;151(2_suppl): S1-S40. doi:10.1177/0194599814545325 Author: Nic Wray Version 2.0 Updated: 20 May 2022 To be reviewed: May 2025 Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash