Vectra8 mg

Vectra is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of the following conditions:

Established/Approved Uses

• Meniere's disease: Reduces the frequency and severity of vertigo (dizziness) attacks, and helps relieve associated tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss/fullness in the ear caused by Meniere's disease.
• Vestibular vertigo: Symptomatic relief of vertigo of vestibular origin (dizziness arising from inner-ear/balance system disorders of various causes).

Important Note on Use

Vectra is intended for long-term, regular use to reduce the frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes over time. It is not effective for treating an acute vertigo attack that is already in progress, and patients should be counselled accordingly to set realistic expectations.

Each tablet contains Betahistine Dihydrochloride as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, commonly available in strengths of 8 mg, 16 mg, and 24 mg (formulation and strength vary by manufacturer/brand). Tablets also contain standard pharmaceutical excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose, citric acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate, which may vary between manufacturers.

Vectra is a synthetic histamine analogue used primarily in the management of vertigo and other symptoms associated with Meniere's disease. Chemically, it acts on the histaminergic system in the inner ear and central nervous system, and has been used clinically for several decades in many countries around the world for vestibular disorders.

Vectra is available as oral tablets and is typically taken with food to reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal upset.

Vectra belongs to the therapeutic class of anti-vertigo agents, and is pharmacologically classified as a histamine analogue used in the treatment of vestibular disorders.

Betahistine Dihydrochloride is a structural analogue of histamine with a dual, complementary action on histamine receptors:

• It acts as a weak agonist at histamine H1 receptors located on blood vessels in the inner ear (stria vascularis), which is thought to increase cochlear and vestibular blood flow.
• It acts as a potent antagonist at histamine H3 receptors, which increases the release of histamine and other neurotransmitters (such as acetylcholine) in the central and peripheral nervous system.

The combined effect is believed to improve microcirculation in the inner ear, reduce endolymphatic pressure, and facilitate vestibular compensation at the level of the central nervous system, which together reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks over time.

Vectra is administered orally as tablets, preferably taken with meals to reduce the chance of stomach upset. Tablets should be swallowed with water and not crushed or chewed unless directed otherwise by a physician or pharmacist.

The following clinically relevant interactions have been reported with Vectra:

• Antihistamines (H1-blockers): Since Vectra works partly through histamine H1 receptor activity, concomitant use with antihistamines may theoretically reduce its effectiveness. Although the clinical significance of this interaction is debated, patients using antihistamines regularly should inform their physician.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Vectra is partly metabolized by monoamine oxidase; MAOIs (including the MAO-B selective subtype) may inhibit this metabolism and increase betahistine exposure. Caution is advised, and dose adjustment may be needed if used concomitantly.

Patients should inform their physician of all medicines, supplements, and herbal products they are taking before starting Vectra.

Vectra is generally well tolerated. Reported side effects include:

Common

• Nausea
• Dyspepsia (indigestion/upset stomach)
• Headache

Uncommon/Rare

• Hypersensitivity reactions (including skin rash, pruritus, urticaria, and rarely angioedema)
• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or abdominal pain

Most gastrointestinal side effects can be reduced by taking Vectra with food. Patients should seek medical attention if they experience signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of the face/throat, difficulty breathing).

Pregnancy: There is limited clinical data on the use of Vectra in pregnant women, and animal reproduction studies are insufficient to rule out risk. As a precaution, Vectra should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus. A physician should be consulted before use.

Lactation: It is not known whether Vectra or its metabolites are excreted in human breast milk. A decision should be made, in consultation with a physician, whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the medicine, taking into account the benefit of breastfeeding for the infant and the benefit of treatment for the mother.

The following precautions apply to the use of Vectra:

• Peptic ulcer disease: Vectra should be used with caution in patients with a current or past history of peptic ulcer disease, as its histamine-related activity may theoretically aggravate gastric acid-related symptoms. Such patients should be monitored closely.
• Asthma: Caution is advised in patients with asthma or a history of bronchospasm, as clinical intolerance has been reported in rare cases; such patients should be monitored for worsening respiratory symptoms.
• Realistic expectations: Vectra is intended for prophylactic, long-term reduction of vertigo attack frequency/severity and is not effective for treating an acute vertigo episode already underway (see Indications).
• Pheochromocytoma: Use is contraindicated in this condition (see Contraindications).

Reported symptoms of Vectra overdose (particularly with intentional overdose) include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, abdominal discomfort, and, at higher doses, more serious effects such as convulsions and cardiac or pulmonary complications have been reported, especially when taken with other drugs in intentional overdose.

There is no specific antidote for Vectra overdose. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services/a poison control center right away. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, and should be managed under medical supervision.

Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Pediatric Patients

The safety and efficacy of Vectra in children and adolescents under 18 years of age have not been established. Its use in this age group is therefore not recommended.

Elderly Patients

No dose adjustment is generally required in elderly patients based on available clinical experience; however, Vectra should be used with the usual caution applied to this population, considering any concomitant conditions or medications.

Renal/Hepatic Impairment

No specific dose adjustment has been established for patients with renal or hepatic impairment; use should be guided by a physician with appropriate monitoring.

The duration of treatment with Vectra is individualized based on clinical response and is typically continued long-term for chronic management of Meniere's disease symptoms. The prescribing physician should periodically review the ongoing need for treatment, generally reassessing benefit after a few months, and discontinuing therapy if no meaningful improvement in vertigo frequency/severity is observed.

Anti-vertigo agents; Histamine analogues

Betahistine Dihydrochloride acts as a weak histamine H1-receptor agonist and a potent histamine H3-receptor antagonist. This dual action increases blood flow in the inner ear's microcirculation and increases histamine turnover in the brain, which together are believed to reduce endolymphatic pressure in the inner ear and enhance central vestibular compensation, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of vertigo episodes.

Vectra is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as safety and efficacy in this population have not been established through adequate clinical studies.