bismuth subsalicylate/metronidazole/tetracycline - oral, Helidac
GENERIC NAME: BISMUTH SUBSALICYLATE/METRONIDAZOLE/TETRACYCLINE - ORAL (BIZZ-muth sub-sal-ISS-ih-late/meh-troh-NID-uh-zole/ teh-truh-SYE-kleen)
BRAND NAME(S): Helidac
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This product contains 3 medications: tetracycline, metronidazole, and bismuth subsalicylate. It is used with an acid blocker (e.g., H2 blockers such as ranitidine, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole) to treat stomach/intestinal ulcers caused by the bacteria H. pylori and to prevent the ulcers from returning.Tetracycline and metronidazole are antibiotics used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. They work by stopping the growth of bacteria. Bismuth subsalicylate is often used to treat upset stomach, but it is used in this combination to help stop the growth of bacteria.This product treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.This product is not recommended for use in children.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Booklet contained in the package before you start using this product. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.This product comes as a package with 14 separate dosing cards. Each card contains enough medication for 1 day (4 doses). Each dose contains 4 pills. For the 2 round pink tablets, chew thoroughly and swallow. For the 1 round white tablet and 1 orange/white capsule, swallow whole with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. For best results, 1 dose (4 pills) must be taken 4 times daily.Take this product at mealtimes and at bedtime for 14 days. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication.Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking any products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (e.g., chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt), calcium-enriched juice, sucralfate, iron, and zinc are also included. These products bind with tetracycline, preventing its full absorption.Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Continue to take this medication and the acid blocker until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection/ulcer.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
|
Back to Medications Index
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the