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In this Article

• What is bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Helidac)?
• What are the possible side effects of bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Helidac)?
• What is the most important information I should know about bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Helidac)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Helidac)?
• How should I take bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Helidac)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Helidac)?
• What happens if I overdose (Helidac)?
• What should I avoid while taking bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Helidac)?
• What other drugs will affect bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Helidac)?
• Where can I get more information?

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

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 (Helidac)?

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.