Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Serc
What SERC is used for:
SERC is used in adults to reduce the amount of episodes of vertigo (dizziness) associated with Ménière’s disease.
How SERC works:
SERC belongs to a group of medicines called anti-vertigo agents. The symptoms of Ménière’s disease, such as vertigo (dizziness), nausea, vomiting, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss or hearing difficulty, are thought to be caused by a build-up of fluid in the inner ear. SERC is thought to work by increasing blood flow to your inner ear and reducing the amount of fluid there. This helps to reduce the number of episodes of vertigo you have.
The ingredients in SERC are:
Medicinal ingredient: betahistine dihydrochloride
Non-medicinal ingredients: citric acid, colloidal anhydrous silica, L-cysteine hydrochloride, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, propyl gallate, and talc.
SERC comes in the following dosage form:
Tablets: 16 mg and 24 mg.
Do not use SERC if:
- you are allergic to betahistine dihydrochloride or to any of the other ingredients in SERC.
- you have or have had stomach ulcers.
- you have a condition called pheochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland).
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take SERC. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- have asthma.
- have liver problems.
are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.
- are 65 years of age or older.
Other warnings you should know about:
Driving and using machines: SERC is not likely to affect your ability to drive, use tools or machinery. However, Ménière’s disease can make you feel dizzy or sick. This can affect your ability to drive and use machines. Do not drive or do special activities that require your attention if you experience these symptoms.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with SERC:
- medicines used to treat allergies.
- medicines known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), used to treat depression or Parkinson’s disease (e.g., phenelzine sulfate, tranylcypromine sulfate, moclobemide or selegiline).
How to take SERC:
- Take SERC exactly as your healthcare professional has told you. If you are not sure, check with your healthcare professional.
SERC can be taken with or without food. If SERC causes upset stomach, take it with meals.
Usual dose:
Usual daily dose: 24 mg to 48 mg in divided doses as per one of the dosing regimens below.
- If you are taking SERC 16 mg tablets: half to 1 tablet three times a day; or
- If you are taking SERC 24 mg tablets: 1 tablet twice a day.
Overdose:
If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much SERC, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, regional poison control centre or Health Canada’s toll-free number, 1-844 POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) immediately, even if there are no signs or symptoms.
Missed dose:
If you forget a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Possible side effects from using SERC:
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking SERC. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
Side effects with SERC may include:
- skin rashes and itching
- gastrointestinal problems such as nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, bloating and indigestion
- headache
- drowsiness
- heart palpitations
- sudden drop in blood pressure (light-headedness, dizziness, faintness)
- confusion
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Frequency/Side Effect/Symptom | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking this drug and get immediate medical help |
|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | |
| Rare | ||
| Allergic reaction / Angioedema: difficulty swallowing or breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet or genitals, wheezing, hives or skin rash, swelling of the digestive tract causing diarrhea, nausea or vomiting | ||
| ✓ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (canada.ca/drug-device-reporting) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your healthcare professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
Storage:
- Store at room temperature (15 to 30°C).
- Keep in a tightly closed container to protect from moisture.
- Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about SERC:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes the Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada Drug Product Database website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website www.viatris.ca; or by calling 1-844-596-9526.
- This information is current up to the time of the last authorization date shown below, but more current information may be available from the manufacturer.
Date of Authorization: 2026-03-25