Type of medicine: antibacterial
Generic and brand names: bismuth subcitrate/metronidazole/tetracycline, oral; Pylera
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat ulcers caused by a type of bacteria called H. pylori. It is taken along with omeprazole (Prilosec).
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
This medicine may make birth control pills less effective. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need birth control.
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without discussing with your healthcare provider.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your provider's approval. Take this medicine for the length of time your healthcare provider prescribes, even if you feel better.
Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water after meals and at bedtime. Avoid milk and dairy products within 2 hours of taking this medicine. If you are taking iron medicines or antacids, take them at least 2 hours before or after you take this medicine.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast deep breathing, ringing in the ears, fever, fast heartbeat, confusion, numbness, tingling, seizures.
This medicine may make your stools a grayish-black color. It may also darken your tongue. This is harmless and temporary.
This medicine is usually not given to infants or children younger than 8 years old because it can cause problems with tooth development.
Drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine may cause stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, irregular heartbeat, or flushing. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine and for at least 3 days after you stop taking it.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
This medicine may make your eyes more sensitive to light. It helps to stay out of bright light and wear sunglasses.
Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in a few days or if it gets worse.
Do not use this medicine for any other infections unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Tingling, numbness, or pain in your hands or feet; seizures; fast or irregular heartbeat; clumsiness; severe diarrhea; dark colored urine; yellowing of eyes or skin; red or peeling skin.
Other: Diarrhea, stomach pain, dark tongue, dark bowel movements, headache, nausea, dizziness, change in sense of taste.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine and for 3 days after you stop taking it.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
