BETAINE HYDROCHLORIDE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Betaine is found naturally in the body. Betaine hydrochloride is a man-made form of betaine previously used as a source of hydrochloric acid.

Betaine hydrochloride was previously available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to increase stomach acid in people with low stomach acid. But the US FDA banned its use in OTC products due to a lack of information about whether it is safe and effective.

Betaine hydrochloride is used for many conditions, including diarrhea, increasing stomach acid, and others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.

Don't confuse betaine hydrochloride with betaine anhydrous.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for BETAINE HYDROCHLORIDE overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Betaine hydrochloride is possibly safe when taken as a single dose. There isn't enough reliable information to know if betaine hydrochloride is safe when taken in multiple doses. It might cause heartburn.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if betaine hydrochloride is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Peptic ulcer disease: Betaine hydrochloride can increase stomach acid. There is a concern that the hydrochloric acid produced from betaine hydrochloride might irritate stomach ulcers or keep them from healing.

Interactions

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

Antacids interacts with BETAINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Antacids are used to decrease stomach acid. Betaine hydrochloride can increase stomach acid. Taking betaine hydrochloride might decrease the effects of antacids.
Medications that decrease stomach acid (H2-blockers) interacts with BETAINE HYDROCHLORIDE
H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acid. Betaine hydrochloride can increase stomach acid. Taking betaine hydrochloride might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

Some common H2-blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid).
Medications that decrease stomach acid (Proton pump inhibitors) interacts with BETAINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Proton pump inhibitors are used to decrease stomach acid. Betaine hydrochloride can increase stomach acid. Taking betaine hydrochloride might decrease the effects of proton pump inhibitors.

Some common proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of betaine hydrochloride might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Chapter 1, Subchapter D, Part 310 https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=310.540

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Ostojic SM, Niess B, Stojanovic M, Obrenovic M. Co-administration of methyl donors along with guanidinoacetic acid reduces the incidence of hyperhomocysteinaemia compared with guanidinoacetic acid administration alone. Br J Nutr. 2013 Sep 14;110(5):865-70. View abstract.

Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J. 2014 Nov;16(6):1358-65. View abstract.

Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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BETAINE HYDROCHLORIDE - Uses, Side Effects, and More