bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and te... Health Article

Generic name(s):

bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline

Brand name(s):

bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline, Helidac

What is the most important information I should know about bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline?

Take all of the bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline is not approved for use by children. Children younger than 8 years of age should not use tetracycline because of its unfavorable effects on tooth and bone formation. Avoid taking dairy products, multivitamins, iron supplements, antacids, and laxatives within 2 hours of taking tetracycline. These products decrease the effectiveness of tetracycline. Tetracycline may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking this medication to be sure you are protected from pregnancy. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Tetracycline may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable. Do not drink alcohol or take alcohol-containing products while taking this medication and for 1 day after stopping therapy, unless approved by your doctor. Alcohol and metronidazole may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, and flushing.

What is bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline?

Bismuth subsalicylate is a mild antibiotic.

Likewise, metronidazole and tetracycline are also antibiotics. They fight bacteria in your body.

Together, bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline are used to treat Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection involved in causing stomach ulcers.

Bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder; or

• an allergy to aspirin.

You may not be able to take bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to harm an unborn baby. Tetracycline may affect bone and tooth development. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Tetracycline and metronidazole pass into breast milk. Tetracycline may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Children younger than 8 years of age should not receive tetracycline. It can cause permanent tooth discoloration, and it can affect growth.

How should I take bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline?

Take bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Chew and swallow the bismuth subsalicylate tablets.

Swallow (don't chew) one each of the metronidazole and tetracycline pills.

To prevent heartburn and damage to the esophagus, be sure to take each dose (especially the bedtime dose) with a full glass of water (8 ounces).

Take all 4 pills four times daily with meals and at bedtime.

Do not take dairy products, iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking tetracycline. These products reduce the effectiveness of tetracycline. Take all of the bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.