What is Helidac?
Helidac is a combination of metronidazole and tetracycline, which are used to treat Helicobacter infection in peptic (duodenal) ulcers. Helidac can be given with other medicines to reduce stomach acids.Helidac can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effect of Helidac
If you experience an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a severe reaction to Helidac (fever, sore eyes, burning skin, pain in your skin, or a red or purple rash with blistering or peeling), stop taking Helidac immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
Helidac can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe stomach pain; bloody or watery diarrhea (even months after the last dose);
- Dizziness or problems with coordination, speech, or
- Vomiting, fever.
- A seizure;
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- You may experience tingling or numbness in your arms or legs.
- Increased pressure in the skull can cause severe headaches, ringing ears, nausea, dizziness, and vision problems.
Helidac can cause your tongue's color to darken. Your stools may appear black. These are temporary and harmless side effects.
Some of the common side effects associated with helidac include:
- Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea;
- Dark-colored stools;
- Mouth sores;
- Black, or "hairy tongue," is a term used to describe a tongue that has swollen.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, always seek medical advice from a licensed practitioner. You may also contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report potential problems.
Warnings
Avoid alcohol, foods, and medicines containing propylene glycol for 3 days following the last dose of Helidac.In animal studies, metronidazole causes cancer. Helidac may cause this in humans, but it is unknown.
Before you take this drug
Helidac should not be used if you have an allergy to metronidazole, tetracycline, or bismuth subsalicylate.
- You have severe kidney disease.
- You drink alcohol daily.
- You regularly consume food or medicines that contain propylene glycol.
- You took antabuse or disulfiram within the last 14 days.
- You can also use methoxyflurane.
- You are allergic to aspirin.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Kidney or a liver disease
- A disorder of the nervous system such as alzheimer’s disease or multiple sclerosis
- A head injury or brain tumor;
- A seizure disorder.
Animal studies have shown that metronidazole can cause cancer. Helidac is not a known human cancer drug. You can ask your doctor for more information.Avoid using Helidac while pregnant. Tetracycline may cause tooth discoloration that can last a lifetime and negatively affect the growth of your baby. Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant.Helidac may make birth-control pills ineffective. Ask your doctor if there are other birth control methods, such as an implant, skin patch, or vaginal rings.Do not breastfeed for 24 hours following the use of Helidac. Throw away any milk collected if you are using a breast pump. Do not give it to your child.No one under 18 may use this product.
How to take Helidac?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Bismuth subsalicylate tablets can be chewed and swallowed.Metronidazole and tetracycline tablets should not be chewed. Each pill should be swallowed whole.Take each dose, especially the bedtime dose, with 8 ounces of water. Do not take it with milk.Take the four pills with your meals and before bed.Keep using Helidac even if your symptoms quickly improve. If you skip doses, your infection could become resistant to the medication. Helidac does not treat viral infections, such as the flu or common cold.Bismuth may affect certain medical tests or x-rays. Tell your doctor that you use Helidac.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of a medicine at the same time.Call your doctor if you miss four or more doses.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and seek immediate medical care.Overdose symptoms typically include severe weakness, confusion and balance problems. They may also include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Other symptoms can be a high fever, ringing or tingling in the ears, rapid heartbeats or difficulty breathing, seizures, or coma.
What should be avoided?
While you are taking Helidac and for three days after the last dose, avoid alcohol, foods, medicines, or other products containing alcohol or propylene glycol. You may experience unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.Take Helidac away from milk, dairy products, and antacids. These products may make it more difficult for your body to absorb the medicine.Antibiotic medications can cause diarrhea. If you experience diarrhea that is bloody or watery, tell your doctor.Helidac can make you burn more quickly. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock (SPF 30 or higher).
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor all the medications you are taking. Helidac can be affected by many drugs, including:
- Aspirin;
- Cimetidine;
- Probenecid;
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- Asthma medications
- Busulfan (or other cancer medicines)
- Diabetes medications
- Heart or blood pressure medications;
- Lithium, or any other antipsychotic medication;
- Medicine to treat hiv or other infections;
- A blood thinner: warfarin coumadin jantoven
- Seizure medication: phenytoin, or phenobarbital.
Helidac may be affected by many other medications. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.