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What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Pylera)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, or tetracycline, or if you have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• if you are pregnant; or
• if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Before using bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
• nerve disorders.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby, including permanent discoloration of the teeth later in life. Do not use tetracycline without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Tetracycline can make birth control pills less effective. Use a non-hormonal method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while you are taking tetracycline.

Metronidazole and tetracycline can pass into breast milk and may cause harm to a nursing baby. Tetracycline can affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Pylera)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline is usually given 4 times per day, after meals and at bedtime. The omeprazole taken with this medication is usually given twice per day, after the morning and the evening meal. The usual course of treatment with this combination of medicines is 10 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Swallow the capsule whole.

This medication may cause your tongue to become darker in color. It may also cause your stools to appear black in color. These are temporary and harmless side effects of bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline.

This medication can interfere with X-ray tests of your stomach or intestines. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking tetracycline. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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