betaine

Generic Name: betaine (BET aine)

Brand Names: Cystadane

What is betaine?

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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about betaine?

You should not use betaine if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely take betaine, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.

Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Betaine powder must be mixed with water, juice, milk, food or infant formula just before taking it. Stop using betaine and call your doctor at once if you have an unusual headache, dizziness, neck pain or stiffness, problems with memory or speech, changes in your mental state, vision changes, decreased consciousness, or seizure (black-out or convulsions).

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.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking betaine?

You should not use betaine if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely take betaine, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether betaine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. 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.

How should I take betaine?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Betaine powder must be mixed with water, juice, milk, or food just before you take it. When giving the medication to a child, you may mix the powder with infant formula. 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.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Betaine side effects

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. Stop using betaine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  unusual headache, dizziness, neck pain or stiffness

  
  


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  memory problems;

  
  


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  changes in your mental state;

  
  


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  vision changes;

  
  


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  problems with speech, balance, or walking;

  
  


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  decreased consciousness; or

  
  


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  seizure (black-out or convulsions).

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  nausea, upset stomach;

  
  


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  diarrhea;

  
  


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  unusual body odor; or

  
  


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  unpleasant taste in your mouth.

  
  

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?

There may be other drugs that can interact with betaine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More betaine resources

• Betaine Side Effects (in more detail)
• Betaine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Betaine Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Betaine - Add your own review/rating

• betaine Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Betaine Powder MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Cystadane Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare betaine with other medications

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Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about betaine.

See also: betaine side effects (in more detail)