Betahistine API Manufacturers & Suppliers
6 verified resultsCommercial-scale Suppliers
All certificates
All certificates
All certificates
All certificates
All certificates
All certificates







Betahistine | CAS No: 5638-76-6 | GMP-certified suppliers
A medication that helps reduce recurrent vertigo episodes in adults with Ménière's disease, supporting reliable treatment supply for neuro‑otologic disorder management.
Therapeutic categories
Primary indications
- Betahistine is indicated for the reduction of recurrent vertigo episodes associated with Ménière's disease in patients 18 years old and above
Product Snapshot
- Betahistine is an oral small‑molecule API supplied primarily in multiple tablet and solution formats
- It is used for products targeting recurrent vertigo associated with Ménière’s disease
- It is approved in Canada, with additional investigational use in other markets
Clinical Overview
Betahistine exhibits pharmacologic actions similar to endogenous histamine. Its therapeutic effect is attributed to combined H1‑receptor agonism and H3‑receptor antagonism. Stimulation of H1 receptors within the microvasculature of the inner ear promotes vasodilation and increases capillary permeability, which is thought to support normalization of endolymphatic pressure. This action may help reduce labyrinthine distension that contributes to vertigo and auditory symptoms.
Through antagonism of presynaptic H3 receptors, betahistine increases histamine turnover and enhances release of additional neurotransmitters such as serotonin in the brainstem. These effects modulate vestibular nuclei activity and may reduce asymmetry in vestibular signaling, supporting central compensation mechanisms involved in vertigo recovery.
Absorption following oral administration is rapid, and betahistine is extensively metabolized, primarily to an inactive metabolite excreted in urine. The compound has a short plasma half‑life, and accumulation is not expected with routine dosing. Protein binding is low. No major cytochrome‑mediated interactions have been identified.
Betahistine is generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal discomfort and headache being the most frequently reported adverse effects. Caution is advised in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease or bronchial asthma due to its histaminergic activity. Serious toxicity is uncommon at therapeutic doses.
In global procurement, API sourcing should prioritize manufacturers with demonstrated control of impurities characteristic of aralkylamine derivatives, validated analytical methods, and compliance with regional GMP expectations to ensure consistent quality and reproducibility for finished dosage development.
Identification & chemistry
| Generic name | Betahistine |
|---|---|
| Molecule type | Small molecule |
| CAS | 5638-76-6 |
| UNII | X32KK4201D |
| DrugBank ID | DB06698 |
Pharmacology
| Summary | Betahistine modulates histaminergic signaling to address vertigo associated with Ménière’s disease. It acts as an H1‑receptor agonist to enhance inner‑ear microcirculation and reduce endolymphatic pressure, and as an H3‑receptor antagonist to increase histamine and other neurotransmitter release in vestibular pathways. These combined effects help normalize vestibular nucleus activity and reduce vertigo symptoms. |
|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Vertigo is a disturbing sensation of movement caused by dysfunction of the labyrinth (inner ear), vestibular nerve, cerebellum, brainstem, or Central Nervous System (CNS). Vestibular forms of vertigo are often accompanied by auditory dysfunctions such as hyperacusis, hearing loss, and tinnitus.In most cases, adaptive mechanisms of the CNS lead to functional recovery after episodes of vertigo, however, syndromes such as Ménière's disease tend to cause the recurrence of vertigo symptoms. This significantly impacts the quality of life and the ability to carry out daily activities. **H1-receptor activity** The mechanism of action of betahistine is multifactorial. Ménière's disease is thought to result from a disruption of endolymphatic fluid homeostasis in the ear.Betahistine mainly acts as a histamine H1-receptor agonist. The stimulation of H1-receptors in the inner ear causes a vasodilatory effect leading to increased permeability of blood vessels and a reduction in endolymphatic pressure; this action prevents the rupture of the labyrinth, which can contribute to the hearing loss associated with Ménière's disease. Betahistine is also purported to act by reducing the asymmetrical functioning of sensory vestibular organs and increasing vestibulocochlear blood flow, relieving symptoms of vertigo. **H3-receptor activity** In addition to the above mechanisms, betahistine also acts as a histamine H3-receptor antagonist, increasing the turnover of histamine from postsynaptic histaminergic nerve receptors, subsequently leading to an increase in H1-agonist activity. H3-receptor antagonism elevates levels of neurotransmitters including serotonin in the brainstem, inhibiting the activity of vestibular nuclei, thus restoring proper balance and decreasing vertigo symptoms. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Through its actions on the histamine receptors, betahistine provides relief from vertigo associated with Ménière's disease. |
Targets
| Target | Organism | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Histamine H1 receptor | Humans | agonist |
| Histamine H3 receptor | Humans | antagonist |
ADME / PK
| Absorption | When given orally, betahistine is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.In the fasted state, Cmax is achieved within 1 hour of administration; in the fed state, Cmax is delayed, but the total drug absorption is similar. Food, therefore, has little effect on the absorption of betahistine. |
|---|---|
| Half-life | The half-life of betahistine is 3-4 hours. |
| Protein binding | The plasma protein binding of betahistine is reported to be less than 5%. |
| Metabolism | Betahistine is metabolized primarily into the inactive metabolite 2-pyridylacetic acid. There is both clinical and in vitro evidence that monoamine oxidase enzymes are responsible for the metabolism of betahistine. |
| Route of elimination | Betahistine is mainly excreted in the urine; with approximately 85-91% being detected in urine samples within 24 hours of administration. |
| Volume of distribution | In a pharmacokinetic study of rats, betahistine was found to be distributed throughout the body.Human data for betahistine's volume of distribution is not readily available. |
Formulation & handling
- High aqueous solubility and low logP support simple oral solid and liquid formulations without complex solubilization strategies.
- Oral-only small‑molecule API with good intrinsic dissolution; excipient selection may focus on controlling GI tolerability rather than absorption enhancement.
- Chemically stable solid; hygroscopicity is modest, so standard moisture control during processing and storage is typically sufficient.
Regulatory status
| Lifecycle | In Canada, the API’s lifecycle is largely shaped by the timing of its patent and data‑protection expiry. As these protections near or reach expiration, the market typically shifts toward a more mature phase with increasing generic participation. |
|---|
| Markets | Canada |
|---|
Supply Chain
| Supply chain summary | Betahistine was originally developed by a single originator but is now supplied predominantly by multiple generic manufacturers, as reflected by the Canadian market’s reliance on products from established generic firms. The molecule is marketed in many regions, including Europe and Canada, though it is not approved in the United States. Patent expiry occurred long ago, and widespread generic availability indicates a fully mature competitive landscape for the active ingredient. |
|---|
Safety
| Toxicity | Symptoms of an overdose with betahistine (< 640 mg) include dry mouth, nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, and somnolence. Serious complications such as convulsions, pulmonary or cardiac effects may occur with higher doses (> 640 mg), especially during intentional overdoses and combination with other drugs. In the case of an overdose with betahistine, provide supportive therapy, and contact the local poison control center for further management. |
|---|
- Overexposure to betahistine has produced dose‑dependent gastrointestinal effects such as dry mouth, nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal discomfort, and CNS depression including somnolence
- High-dose exposures (›640 mg) have been associated with serious adverse events, including convulsions and pulmonary or cardiac complications, particularly when other substances are involved
- Handling should account for its potential to elicit CNS and cardiopulmonary effects at elevated concentrations, warranting controls that limit accidental ingestion or inhalation
Betahistine is a type of Anti-vertigo agents
Anti-vertigo agents are a category of pharmaceutical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that are used to treat vertigo, a condition characterized by a sensation of dizziness, spinning, or loss of balance. These APIs are specifically designed to target the underlying causes of vertigo and provide relief to patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
The primary mechanism of action of anti-vertigo agents involves their ability to modulate the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral vestibular system. By acting on specific receptors and neurotransmitters in the brain and inner ear, these APIs help regulate the balance and coordination signals transmitted by the vestibular system, thus reducing the symptoms of vertigo.
Some commonly used anti-vertigo APIs include meclizine, betahistine, and dimenhydrinate. Meclizine, for instance, is an antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors in the brain and effectively alleviates vertigo symptoms. Betahistine, on the other hand, acts as a histamine H1 receptor agonist and H3 receptor antagonist, improving blood flow in the inner ear and reducing the frequency and severity of vertigo episodes. Dimenhydrinate, a combination of diphenhydramine and 8-chlorotheophylline, exerts its anti-vertigo effects by blocking histamine receptors and exerting a sedative effect on the CNS.
Anti-vertigo agents are available in various formulations, including oral tablets, sublingual tablets, and transdermal patches, providing options for patients with different preferences and needs. These APIs have shown efficacy in managing vertigo and are commonly prescribed by healthcare professionals. However, it is important to note that these medications may have potential side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or gastrointestinal disturbances, which should be considered when prescribing them to patients.
In conclusion, anti-vertigo agents are a vital category of pharmaceutical APIs that play a crucial role in the management of vertigo. By targeting the underlying causes of this condition, these APIs provide symptomatic relief and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from vertigo.
Betahistine API manufacturers & distributors
Compare qualified Betahistine API suppliers worldwide. We currently have 6 companies offering Betahistine API, with manufacturing taking place in 5 different countries. Use the table below to review supplier type, countries of origin, certifications, product portfolio and GMP audit availability.
| Supplier | Type | Country | Product origin | Certifications | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grunenthal | Producer | Germany | Germany | CEP, CoA, GMP | 1 products |
| Kanto Chemical | Producer | Japan | Japan | CoA, JDMF | 3 products |
| LEBSA | Producer | Spain | Spain | BSE/TSE, CoA, Other, EDMF/ASMF, GMP, Other, Other, ISO9001, MSDS, USDMF | 18 products |
| PharmaZell | Producer | Germany | India | CoA, FDA, GDP, GMP, MSDS, WHO-GMP | 31 products |
| Shaoxing Hantai Pharma | Distributor | China | China | CoA | 162 products |
| ZCL Chemicals | Producer | India | India | CoA, Other, FDA, ISO9001, WC | 30 products |
When sending a request, specify which Betahistine API quality you need: for example EP (Ph. Eur.), USP, JP, BP, or another pharmacopoeial standard, as well as the required grade (base, salt, micronised, specific purity, etc.).
Use the list above to find high-quality Betahistine API suppliers. For example, you can select GMP, FDA or ISO certified suppliers. Visit our help page to learn more about sourcing APIs via Pharmaoffer.
