Chemicals and Drugs

Betaine

A naturally occurring compound that has been of interest for its role in osmoregulation. As a drug, betaine hydrochloride has been used as a source of hydrochloric acid in the treatment of hypochlorhydria. Betaine has also been used in the treatment of liver disorders, for hyperkalemia, for homocystinuria, and for gastrointestinal disturbances. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1341)

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A naturally occurring compound that has been of interest for its role in osmoregulation. As a drug, betaine hydrochloride has been used as a source of hydrochloric acid in the treatment of hypochlorhydria. Betaine has also been used in the treatment of liver disorders, for hyperkalemia, for homocystinuria, and for gastrointestinal disturbances. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1341)

MeSH Record

Classification

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Drug Class

Pharmacological Action

MeSH Record

Synonyms

21 entry terms
  • Glycine Betaine
  • Lycine
  • Oxyneurine
  • Betaine, Glycine
  • Acidin-Pepsin
  • Betaine Hydrochloride
  • C.B.B.
  • Citrate de Bétaïne Beaufour
  • Citrate de Bétaïne UPSA
  • Cystadane
  • Hepastyl
  • Novobetaine
  • Scorbo-bétaïne
  • Stea-16
  • Acidin Pepsin
  • AcidinPepsin
  • Hydrochloride, Betaine
  • Scorbo bétaïne
  • Scorbobétaïne
  • Stea 16
  • Stea16

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

25 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, agonists, analogs & derivatives, analysis, antagonists & inhibitors, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, economics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, urine.

MeSH Record

History Note

68(64)

MeSH Hierarchy

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AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Betaine. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D001622. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D001622
  2. Betaine. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27281552