In the U.S.—

• Antihomocystinuric

Betaine ( BAY-ta-een) is used to treat a lack of or defect in certain enzymes that causes too much homocysteine in the blood and urine. This medicine removes the extra homocysteine from the body.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Oral
• Powder for solution (U.S.)

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For betaine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to betaine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether betaine passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—This medicine has been tested in children and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults. However, children may require more frequent changes in their dose than adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of betaine in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Betaine powder should be mixed with 4 to 6 ounces of juice, milk, or water until completely dissolved. The solution should be used immediately after mixing.

Do not use if the powder does not dissolve completely or gives a colored solution.

Betaine should be taken with meals.

It is important that you follow any special instructions from your doctor, such as taking folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Dosing—

The dose of betaine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of betaine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
  • To prevent buildup of homocysteine:
    • Adults, teenagers, and children 3 years of age and older—The starting dose is usually 3 grams taken two times a day with meals. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children younger than 3 years of age—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. Betaine should be taken with meals.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• Less common
  • Diarrhea;  nausea;  stomach upset 
  
  

Betaine may cause a body odor. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.