Bismuth Subcitrate/Metronidazole/Tetracycline (By mouth)
BIZ-muth sub-SIT-rate poe-TAS-ee-um, met-roe-NYE-da-zole, tet-ra-SYE-kleen hye-droe-KLOR-ide
Treats H pylori.
Drug classes
Antiulcer, Helicobacter Pylori (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Bismuth subcitrate, metronidazole, and tetracycline are combined in a single capsule that is used together with omeprazole to treat a stomach infection caused by the H. pylori bacteria. This bacteria can cause stomach ulcers if it is not treated. This medicine should not be used for any other infection .
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Each dose contains 3 capsules. You will take all 3 capsules 4 times each day for 10 days. It is best to take this medicine after meals and at bedtime.
Swallow the capsules whole and with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the capsules.
Drink extra liquids to help prevent irritation or ulcers in your esophagus.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine if you are taking penicillin.
Some medicines and foods can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
A blood thinner, such as warfarin Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium Birth control pills Cimetidine Lithium Phenytoin or phenobarbital Supplements containing iron, zinc, or sodium bicarbonateDo not have milk or dairy products while you are taking this medicine.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine and for at least 3 days after you stop taking it. Tell your doctor if you are also using disulfiram or have taken any in the last 2 weeks.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to bismuth, metronidazole, or tetracycline, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Birth control pills may not work while you are using this medicine. To prevent pregnancy, use another form of birth control along with your birth control pills.
Tell your doctor if you have nerve problems, kidney or liver disease, a history of blood problems (such as leukopenia), or a fungal infection (such as candidiasis).
Your tongue or stools may become dark when you use this medicine. This is only temporary and will not hurt you. Ask your doctor about this if you have any concerns.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Chest pain
Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Seizure, headache, dizziness, or blurred vision
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dark or black tongue, or black stools
Diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset or pain, or change in taste
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Pylera
There may be other brand names for this medicine.