Helidac Side Effects
Generic Name: bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline
Note: This document contains side effect information about bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Helidac.
For the Consumer
Applies to bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline: oral capsule, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable
Along with its needed effects, bismuth subsalicylate/metronidazole/tetracycline may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking bismuth subsalicylate/metronidazole/tetracycline:
More common Less common Rare- Bloody vomit
- convulsions (seizures)
- fainting
- heart attack
- irritation of the mouth or tongue
- joint pain and swelling
- sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
- skin rash
- trouble with swallowing
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline:
Symptoms of overdose- Clumsiness or unsteadiness
- confusion
- continuing ringing or buzzing in ears
- fast heartbeat
- fast or deep breathing
- fever
- pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- unusual tiredness
- vomiting
Some side effects of bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common or rare- Burning or itching around the anus
- constipation
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- loss of appetite
- nervousness
- trouble sleeping
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline: oral kit
General
The most commonly reported side effects included nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 12%)
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, anal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, duodenal ulcer, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, melena, stool abnormality/darkening/black stools, tongue discoloration/darkening, vomiting
Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, dysphagia, eructation, gastrointestinal monilia, glossitis, intestinal obstruction, rectal hemorrhage, stomatitis, tooth disorder
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, constipation, candida overgrowth, diarrhea, dry mouth, furry tongue, glossitis, nausea, pancreatitis, stomatitis, vomiting
Tetracycline:
Frequency not reported: Anogenital region inflammatory lesions/inflammatory lesions with Candida overgrowth, black hairy tongue, diarrhea, dysphagia, enterocolitis, esophagitis, esophageal ulceration, glossitis, nausea, vomiting[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, dysgeusia/taste perversion/metallic taste, headache, paresthesia
Frequency not reported: Cerebral ischemia, somnolence, syncope
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: Aseptic meningitis, ataxia, convulsive seizures, dizziness, dysarthria, encephalopathy, headache, incoordination, metallic taste, peripheral neuropathy, syncope, vertigo
Tetracycline:
Frequency not reported: Intracranial hypertension, pseudotumor cerebri[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, pain
Frequency not reported: Infection, malaise
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: Fever, weakness
Tetracycline:
Frequency not reported: Tinnitus[Ref]
Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Sinusitis, upper respiratory infection
Frequency not reported: Rhinitis
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: Nasal congestion[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia
Frequency not reported: Nervousness
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: Confusion, decreased libido, depression, insomnia, irritability[Ref]
Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: Anorexia
Tetracycline:
Frequency not reported: Anorexia[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Acne, ecchymosis, photosensitivity reaction, pruritus, rash
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: Erythematous rash, pruritus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria
Tetracycline:
Frequency not reported: Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, maculopapular/erythematous rash, nail discoloration, onycholysis, photosensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus exacerbation, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Frequency not reported: Chest pain, hypertension, myocardial infarction
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: T-wave flattening, flushing
Tetracycline:
Frequency not reported: Pericarditis[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Frequency not reported: Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: Joint pain
Tetracycline:
Frequency not reported: Myasthenic syndrome[Ref]
Hepatic
Frequency not reported: ALT increase, AST increase
Tetracycline:
Frequency not reported: Hepatotoxicity, liver failure[Ref]
Genitourinary
Frequency not reported: Urinary tract infection
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: Darkened urine, dyspareunia, dysuria, incontinence, proctitis, sense of pelvic pressure, vaginal/vulvar dryness[Ref]
Immunologic
Frequency not reported: Flu syndrome
Tetracycline:
Frequency not reported: Serum sickness-like reaction[Ref]
Ocular
Frequency not reported: Conjunctivitis
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: Optic neuropathy[Ref]
Oncologic
Frequency not reported: Neoplasm[Ref]
Hematologic
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: Reversible neutropenia/leukopenia, reversible thrombocytopenia
Tetracycline:
Frequency not reported: Eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura
Renal
Metronidazole:
Frequency not reported: Cystitis
Tetracycline:
Frequency not reported: Increased blood urea nitrogen
Hypersensitivity
Tetracycline:
Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis, angioedema[Ref]
References
1. "Product Information. Helidac (bismuth subsalicylate/metronidazole/TCN)." Prometheus Inc, San Diego, CA.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
More about Helidac (bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline)
- Side Effects
- During Pregnancy
- Dosage Information
- Drug Interactions
- Support Group
- 2 Reviews – Add your own review/rating
- Drug class: H. pylori eradication agents