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betaine
betaine
What is the most important information I should know about betaine?
What is the most important information I should know about betaine?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is betaine?
What is betaine?
Betaine works 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 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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking betaine?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking betaine?
To make sure you can safely take betaine, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
How should I take betaine?
How should I take betaine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Betaine is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid before using it.
Gently shake the powder medicine bottle before measuring your dose. To get the correct dose, use the measuring scoop provided with this medicine.
Mix betaine powder with 4 to 6 ounces of water, juice, milk, infant formula, or soft food. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save for later use.
Betaine doses are based on weight in young children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.
You may need frequent blood tests.
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.
Store betaine powder at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking betaine?
What should I avoid while taking betaine?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of betaine?
What are the possible side effects of betaine?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- muscle weakness;
- memory problems;
- changes in your mental state;
- problems with speech, balance, or walking;
- vision changes; or
- unusual or unpleasant body or breath odor.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea; or
- upset stomach.
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 other drugs will affect betaine?
What other drugs will affect betaine?
Other drugs may affect betaine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about betaine.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
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