Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, and Tetracycline Combination
Other Names: Helidac
Drug Class: Helicobacter Pylori Treatment Regimens
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, and Tetracycline Combination? (Back to top)
BISMUTH SUBSALICYLATE; METRONIDAZOLE; TETRACYCLINE is a combination antibiotic. It is used to treat stomach ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• nerve problems like neuropathy
• recent vaccination with chickenpox vaccine
• recent viral illness, such as the flu or chickenpox
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, tetracycline, aspirin or other salicylates, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Do not take it with milk or other dairy products. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine should be taken after meals and at bedtime. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss more than 4 doses, contact your doctor or health care professional.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• alcohol or any product that contains alcohol
• disulfiram
• medicines for HIV
• methotrexate
• other antibiotics like tetracyclines, sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
• sertraline

• antacids with aluminum, calcium, magnesium, sodium bicarbonate
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• birth control pills
• calcium supplements
• cimetidine
• iron supplements
• lithium
• magnesium supplements
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• methoxyflurane
• penicillin
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• sulfinpyrazone
• zinc supplements or zinc lozenges

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• dizzy
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• fever, flu like symptoms, sore throat
• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures
• throat pain, trouble swallowing
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• white patches in mouth

• aches, pain
• black stools
• dark tongue
• diarrhea
• headache
• metal taste in mouth
• nausea
• stomach gas, pain, upset
• vaginal irritation, itch
  

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

Avoid products with aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, or sodium bicarbonate for 2 hours before and after taking a dose of this medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine and for at least 1 day after finishing treatment.

This medicine may cause dark tongue and/or grayish black stools. This is only temporary and will go away when you stop taking this medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:July 02, 2007

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