Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, and Tetracycline—For H. pylori (Systemic)

Brand Names : Helidac

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Check the labels of all over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription, and prescription medicines you now take. If any contain aspirin or other salicylates, be especially careful. Using other salicylate-containing products while taking bismuth subsalicylate in this combination of medicines may lead to overdose. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

Do not take milk, milk formulas, or other dairy products within 1 to 2 hours of the time you take tetracycline in this combination of medicines. Milk and other dairy products may keep tetracycline from working properly.

Do not take antacids or sodium bicarbonate within 1 to 2 hours of the time you take tetracycline in this combination of medicines. Also, do not take iron preparations (including vitamin preparations that contain iron) within 2 to 3 hours of the time you take tetracycline in this combination of medicines. To do so may keep tetracycline from working properly.

Drinking alcoholic beverages while taking metronidazole in this combination of medicines may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, or flushing or redness of the face. Other alcohol-containing preparations (for example, elixirs, cough syrups, tonics) may also cause problems. These problems may last for at least a day after you stop taking metronidazole. Also, metronidazole may cause alcoholic beverages to taste different. Therefore, you should not drink alcoholic beverages or take other alcohol-containing preparations while you are taking metronidazole in this combination of medicines and for at least a day after stopping it .

The metronidazole in this combination of medicines may cause some people to become dizzy or lightheaded. Make sure you know how you react to this combination of medicines before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may not work properly if you take them while you are taking tetracycline in this combination of medicines. Unplanned pregnancies may occur. You should use a different or additional means of birth control while you are taking tetracycline in this combination of medicines. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

The tetracycline in this combination of medicines may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn. When you begin taking the tetracycline in this combination of medicines:

• Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible.
• Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
• Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number, especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
• Apply a sun block lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips.
• Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.

Before having surgery (including dental surgery) with a general anesthetic, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking tetracycline in this combination of medicines.