Betaine is a nutrient that is important for functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Betaine
works in the body by preventing the build-up of an amino acid called homocysteine. This amino acid
can harm blood vessels and contribute to heart disease, stroke, or circulation problems.
Betaine is a byproduct of sugar beet processing.
Betaine is used to reduce homocysteine levels in people with a genetic condition called
homocystinuria, in which the amino acid builds up in the body. Betaine is not a cure for
homocysteinuria.
Betaine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking betaine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to betaine.
Before taking betaine, tell your doctor about any allergies or medical conditions you have. You
may not be able to take betaine, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Do not take betaine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether betaine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give betaine to a child without the advice of a doctor.
How should I take betaine?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not
use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Betaine powder must be mixed with water just before you take it. Stir the mixture thoroughly
and drink it right away. Do not save the mixture for later use.
Measure the powder using the dose-measuring scoop provided with your medication, not with
a regular table spoon.
Do not drink the liquid if it is colored and not clear after mixing. Call your doctor for a new
prescription.
Betaine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include other vitamin and
mineral supplements and a special diet. Follow your diet and medication routines very closely.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. Do
not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store betaine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of betaine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about betaine?
Your pharmacist has information about betaine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of betaine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about betaine?
Before taking betaine, tell your doctor about any allergies or medical conditions you have. You
may not be able to take betaine, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not
use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the
missed dose.
There may be other drugs that can interact with betaine. Tell your doctor about all your
prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have
any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue,
or throat.
Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Tell your doctor about
any unusual or bothersome side effects.
What should I avoid while taking betaine?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while
you are using betaine.
What other drugs will affect betaine?
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with betaine. Tell your
doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your
doctor.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009