Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, and Tetracycline (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

This combination of medicines (bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline) comes with instructions for the patient included in the package. Make sure you read and understand the instructions, or ask your health care professional if you need additional information or explanation. It is important that you understand and follow the instructions exactly.

Also, it is important that you complete the full course of therapy with this combination of medicines to help clear up the infection from H. pylori related to your ulcer.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Be sure to swallow the tablet of metronidazole and the capsule of tetracycline with a full glass (eight ounces) of water. This will help prevent irritation of the esophagus (tube between the throat and stomach) or stomach. Each dose of this combination of medicines (bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline) is taken four times a day, with meals and at bedtime, for fourteen days. Your doctor will also prescribe for you another medicine, a histamine H 2-receptor antagonist, which will come with its own directions and must be taken along with this combination of medicines.

Each day's therapy is packaged on a blister card that contains eight chewable tablets (each containing 262.4 milligrams [mg] of bismuth subsalicylate), four tablets (each containing 250 mg of metronidazole), and four capsules (each containing 500 mg of tetracycline).

• For oral dosage forms (blister card containing chewable tablets, tablets, and capsules):
  • For the treatment of ulcers related to infection with H. pylori:
    • Adults—For each dose of this combination of medicines:
      • Chew and swallow two tablets of bismuth subsalicylate (525 mg)
      • Swallow one tablet of metronidazole (250 mg)
      • Swallow one capsule of tetracycline (500 mg)
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss more than four doses of this combination of medicines, check with your doctor.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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