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Brand Names: Helidac

Generic Name: bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Pronunciation: bizz MUTH sub sah LIH sah late, me troe NI da zole, and tet ra SYE kleen)

• 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 is bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Helidac)?

Bismuth subsalicylate is a mild antibiotic.

Likewise, metronidazole and tetracycline are also antibiotics. They fight bacteria in your body.

Together, bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline are used to treat Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection involved in causing stomach ulcers.

Bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Helidac)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• a severe headache;
• vision changes;
• confusion;
• liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue);
• blood problems (fever, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding);
• severe diarrhea; or
• seizures.

If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue to take your medication and talk your doctor.

• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• metallic taste in mouth;
• sensitivity to the sun;
• dark "furry"; tongue, black tongue, or swollen tongue;
• vaginal yeast infection;
• numbness or tingling;
• dizziness or decreased co-ordination;
• decreased appetite; or
• dark stools.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Helidac)?

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.

Bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline is not approved for use by children. Children younger than 8 years of age should not use tetracycline because of its unfavorable effects on tooth and bone formation.

Avoid taking dairy products, multivitamins, iron supplements, antacids, and laxatives within 2 hours of taking tetracycline. These products decrease the effectiveness of tetracycline.

Tetracycline may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking this medication to be sure you are protected from pregnancy.

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Tetracycline may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

Do not drink alcohol or take alcohol-containing products while taking this medication and for 1 day after stopping therapy, unless approved by your doctor. Alcohol and metronidazole may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, and flushing.