Helidac Side Effects

Generic Name: bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline

Note: This page contains information about the side effects of bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline. Some of the dosage forms included on this document may not apply to the brand name Helidac.

For the Consumer

Applies to bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline: oral capsule, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline:

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• bloody or black, tarry stools
• diarrhea
• nausea

• Burning, prickling, or tingling sensations
• dizziness
• vomiting

• 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

If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline, get emergency help immediately:

• 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

Minor Side Effects

Some of the side effects that can occur with bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

• 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]

Not all side effects for Helidac may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.

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