pylera
Pylera is a combination medicine containing Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium, Metronidazole, and Tetracycline Hydrochloride.
Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium and Metronidazole and Tetracycline Hydrochloride · by Labs Juvise
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium and Metronidazole and Tetracycline Hydrochloride
- Form
- Capsule
- Strength
- Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium 140MG; Metronidazole 125MG; Tetracycline Hydrochloride 125MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Labs Juvise
- Half-life
- about 8 hours (how long it stays in your system)
- FDA application
- NDA050786
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Pylera?
From the FDA label:PYLERA capsules are a combination antimicrobial product containing bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline hydrochloride for oral administration. Each size 0 elongated capsule contains: bismuth subcitrate potassium, 140 mg metronidazole, 125 mg smaller capsule (size 3) containing tetracycline hydrochloride, 125 mg Tetracycline hydrochloride is encapsulated within a smaller capsule to create a barrier to avoid contact with bismuth subcitrate potassium. Each PYLERA capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: Magnesium Stearate NF, Lactose Monohydrate NF, Talc USP, Gelatin USP, and Titanium Dioxide NF, Printed in red ink. Bismuth subcitrate potassium is a white or almost white powder. It is a soluble, complex bismuth salt of citric acid. The schematized empirical molecular formula of bismuth subcitrate potassium is Bi (Citrate) 2 K 5 ∙3 H 2 O. The equivalent theoretical molecular formula is BiC 12 H 14 K 5 O 17 . The molecular mass of the theoretical molecular formula of a single unit of bismuth subcitrate potassium is 834.71. Metronidazole is a white to pale yellow crystalline powder. Metronidazole is 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole-1-ethanol, with a molecular formula of C 6 H 9 N 3 O 3 and the following structural formula: Molecular weight: 171.2 Tetracycline hydrochloride is a yellow, odorless, crystalline powder. Tetracycline hydrochloride is stable…
How to use
Administer three PYLERA capsules 4 times a day (after meals and at bedtime) for 10 days. One omeprazole 20 mg capsule should be taken twice a day with PYLERA after the morning and evening meal for 10 days ( Table 1 ). Table 1: Daily Dosing Schedule for PYLERA Time of dose Number of capsules of PYLERA Number of capsules of omeprazole 20 mg After morning meal 3 1 After lunch 3 0 After evening meal 3 1 At bedtime 3 0 Instruct patients to swallow the PYLERA capsules whole with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Ingestion of adequate amounts of fluid, particularly with the bedtime dose, is recommended to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration by tetracycline hydrochloride. If a dose is missed, patients should continue the normal dosing schedule until medication is gone. Patients should not take double doses. If more than 4 doses are missed, the prescriber should be contacted. Administer three PYLERA capsules 4 times a day (after meals and at bedtime) for 10 days. ( 2 ) Administer PYLERA with omeprazole 20 mg twice daily (after the morning and evening meals). ( 2 )
Side effects
Most frequently reported adverse reactions (≥5%): abnormal feces, diarrhea, nausea, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact H2-Pharma, LLC at 1-833-520-8580 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of PYLERA plus omeprazole (OBMT) to eradicate Helicobacter pylori was assessed in an open-label, randomized, active-controlled clinical trial conducted in North America. The duration of treatment was 10 days with 147 patients exposed to PYLERA plus omeprazole (OBMT) and 152 exposed to control, consisting of omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin (OAC). The age of the population in the study ranged from 18 to 75 years, with 59% male patients and 59% Caucasian patients. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 58% of patients in the OBMT group and 59% of patients in the OAC group. There were no adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of the study during the clinical trial. Adverse reactions with an incidence of ≥ 5% in OBMT group include abnormal feces, diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Adverse drug reactions with an incidence of ≥ 5% in…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Metronidazole has been shown to be carcinogenic in mice and rats. It is unknown whether metronidazole is associated with carcinogenicity in humans [see Warning and Precautions (5.1) ]. WARNING: POTENTIAL FOR CARCINOGENICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Metronidazole has been shown to be carcinogenic in mice and rats. It is unknown whether metronidazole is associated with carcinogenicity in humans ( 5.1 ).
Warnings
Important safety information
Fetal Toxicity: Advise pregnant women of the risk throughout pregnancy for retardation of skeletal development seen in animal studies and permanent discoloration of teeth with tetracycline if used during the second or third trimester. ( 5.2 , 8.1 ) Maternal Toxicity: Risk of hepatotoxicity in pregnant women with high doses of intravenous tetracycline also resulting in stillborn or premature birth. ( 5.3 , 8.1 ) Tooth Enamel discoloration and hypoplasia: permanent discoloration may develop with use during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood to the age of 8 years). ( 5.4 ) Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported with metronidazole. If symptoms or signs of SCARs develop, discontinue PYLERA immediately and institute appropriate therapy. ( 5.5 ) Central and Peripheral Nervous System Effects: encephalopathy, convulsive seizures, aseptic meningitis and peripheral neuropathy with metronidazole, intracranial hypertension with tetracycline and neurotoxicity with bismuth-containing products. Monitor patients with CNS conditions closely and discontinue promptly if abnormal neurologic signs develop. ( 5.6 ) Photosensitivity: avoid exposure to sun and sun lamps. ( 5.8 ) Blood Dyscrasias: Use with caution in patients with a history of blood dyscrasias. ( 5.10 ) Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment. ( 5.11 ) 5.1 Potential for Carcinogenicity Metronidazole, a component of PYLERA, has been shown to be carcinogenic in mice and rats. Tumors affecting the liver, lungs, mammary and lymphatic tissues have been detected in several studies of metronidazole in rats and mice, but not hamsters [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13) ] . It is unknown whether metronidazole is associated with carcinogenicity in humans. 5.2 Fetal Toxicity Tetracycline can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Based on animal data, use of drugs of the tetracycline class during the second and third trimester of pregnancy can cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray brown) and possibly inhibit bone development [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Administration of oral tetracycline to pregnant rats at various doses resulted in yellow fluorescence in teeth and bones in the newborn animals. If PYLERA is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking PYLERA, advise the patient of the potential risk to the fetus [see Contraindications (4.5) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . 5.3 Maternal Toxicity Tetracycline, a component of PYLERA, administered during pregnancy at high doses (> 2 g IV) was associated with rare but serious cases of maternal hepatotoxicity. This syndrome may result in stillborn or premature birth due to maternal pathology [see Contraindications (4.5) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . 5.4 Tooth Enamel Discoloration and Hypoplasia The use of drugs of the tetracycline class during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood to the age of 8 years) may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray-brown). This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use of the drug, but has been observed following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. PYLERA, therefore, should not be used in this age group unless other drugs are not likely to be effective or are contraindicated [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . 5.5 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Metronidazole : Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported with the use of metronidazole. Symptoms can be serious and potentially life threatening. If symptoms or signs of SCARs develop, discontinue PYLERA capsules immediately and institute appropriate therapy. Tetracycline : Fixed drug eruptions have occurred with tetracycline and have been associated with worsening severity upon subsequent administrations, including generalize bullous fixed drug eruption [see Adverse Reactions (6.3) ] . If severe skin reactions occur, discontinue PYLERA immediately, and institute appropriate therapy. 5.6 Central and Peripheral Nervous System Effects Metronidazole : Convulsive seizures, encephalopathy, aseptic meningitis and peripheral neuropathy (including optic neuropathy) have been reported. Encephalopathy has been reported in association with cerebellar toxicity characterized by ataxia, dizziness, and dysarthria. CNS lesions seen on MRI have been described in reports of encephalopathy. CNS symptoms are generally reversible within days to weeks upon discontinuation of metronidazole. CNS lesions seen on MRI have also been described as reversible. Peripheral neuropathy, mainly of sensory type has been reported and is characterized by numbness or paresthesia of an extremity. Aseptic meningitis symptoms may occur within hours of dose administration and generally resolve after metronidazole therapy is discontinued. Tetracycline : Intracranial hypertension (IH), including pseudotumor cerebri, has been associated with the use of tetracyclines. Clinical manifestations of IH include headache, blurred vision, diplopia, and vision loss; papilledema can be found on fundoscopy. Women of childbearing age who are overweight or have a history of IH are at greater risk for developing tetracycline associated IH. Concomitant use of isotretinoin should be avoided because isotretinoin is also known to cause IH. Although IH typically resolves after discontinuation of treatment, the possibility for permanent visual loss exists. If visual disturbance occurs during treatment, prompt ophthalmologic evaluation is warranted. Since intracranial pressure can remain elevated for weeks after drug cessation, patients should be monitored until they stabilize. Bismuth-containing products: Cases of neurotoxicity associated with excessive doses of various bismuth-containing products have been reported. Effects have been reversible with discontinuation of bismuth therapy. The appearance of abnormal neurologic signs and symptoms demands the prompt evaluation of the benefit/risk ratio of the continuation of PYLERA therapy [see Adverse Reactions (6.3) ] . 5.7 Development of Potential for Microbial Overgrowth Known or previously unrecognized candidiasis may present more prominent symptoms during therapy with metronidazole and requires treatment with an antifungal agent. As with other antibacterial drugs, use of tetracycline hydrochloride may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, discontinue PYLERA and institute appropriate therapy. 5.8 Photosensitivity Photosensitivity, manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction, has been observed in patients taking tetracycline [see Adverse Reactions (6.3) ] . Patients apt to be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light should be advised that this reaction can occur with tetracycline drugs. Instruct patients taking PYLERA to avoid exposure to the sun or sun lamps. Discontinue treatment at the first evidence of skin erythema. 5.9 Darkening of the Tongue and/or Black Stool Bismuth subcitrate potassium may cause temporary and harmless darkening of the tongue and/or black stools, generally reversible within several days after treatment is stopped [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Stool darkening should not be confused with melena. 5.10 Use in Patients with Blood Dyscrasias Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole, and should be used with care in patients with evidence of or history of blood dyscrasia. A mild leukopenia has been observed during its…
Who should not take Pylera
Disulfiram usage within the last two weeks. ( 4.1 , 7.1 ) Alcoholic beverage consumption for at least three days during or after therapy. ( 4.2 , 7.2 ) Patients with Cockayne syndrome. ( 4.3 , 6.3 ) Severe renal impairment. ( 4.4 ) Women who are pregnant. ( 4.5 , 8.1 ) Known hypersensitivity to product components. ( 4.6 ) 4.1 Disulfiram PYLERA is contraindicated in patients who have taken disulfiram within the last two weeks. Psychotic reactions have been reported in alcoholic patients who are using metronidazole, a component of PYLERA, and disulfiram concurrently [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 4.2 Alcohol Alcoholic beverages or other products containing propylene glycol should not be consumed during and for at least 3 days after therapy with PYLERA. A disulfiram-like reaction (abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing) may occur due to the interaction between alcohol or propylene glycol and metronidazole, a component of PYLERA [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ] . 4.3 Cockayne Syndrome PYLERA is contraindicated in patients with Cockayne syndrome. Severe irreversible hepatotoxicity/acute liver failure with fatal outcomes have been reported after initiation of metronidazole in patients with Cockayne syndrome [see Adverse Reactions (6.3) ]. 4.4 Severe Renal Impairment PYLERA is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment. The antianabolic action of the tetracyclines may cause an increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [see Adverse Reactions (6.3) ] . In patients with significantly impaired renal function, higher serum concentrations of tetracyclines may lead to azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, and acidosis. 4.5 Pregnancy PYLERA is contraindicated during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . 4.6 Hypersensitivity Reactions PYLERA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g. urticaria, erythematous rash, flushing, and fever) to bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole or other nitroimidazole derivatives, or tetracycline [see Adverse Reactions (6.3) ].
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
In case of an overdose, patients should contact a physician, poison control center, or emergency room. The available overdosage information for each of the individual components in PYLERA (Metronidazole, Tetracycline and Bismuth subcitrate potassium) are summarized below: Metronidazole: Single oral doses of metronidazole, up to 15 g, have been reported in suicide attempts and accidental overdoses. Symptoms reported include nausea, vomiting, and ataxia. Metronidazole is dialyzable. Neurotoxic effects, including seizures and peripheral neuropathy, have been reported after 5 to 7 days of doses of 6 to 10.4 g every other day. Treatment of Overdosage There is no specific antidote for metronidazole overdose; therefore, management of the patient should consist of symptomatic and supportive therapy. Tetracycline: In case of overdosage, discontinue medication, treat symptomatically and institute supportive measures. Dialysis does not alter serum half-life and thus would not be of benefit in treating cases of overdosage. Bismuth subcitrate potassium: Symptoms of a bismuth subcitrate potassium overdosage are not known.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Disulfiram: Psychotic reactions can occur; do not take concurrently or within the last 2 weeks of disulfiram. ( 4.1 , 7.1 ) Alcohol: Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing can occur; do not consume during therapy and for at least 3 days afterwards. ( 4.2 , 7.2 ) Oral Contraceptives: Decreased efficacy possibly resulting in pregnancy; use a different or additional form of contraception. ( 5.14 , 7.3 ) Anticoagulants: Potentiation of the anticoagulant effect; Prothrombin time, International Normalized Ratio (INR), or other suitable anticoagulation tests should be closely monitored. ( 5.14 , 7.4 ) Lithium: Increased lithium serum concentrations; measure serum lithium and serum creatinine concentrations during therapy. ( 5.14 , 7.5 ) Antacids, Multivitamins or Dairy Products: Decreased absorption of PYLERA; do not take concomitantly. ( 7.6 ) Busulfan: Increased busulfan serum concentrations; avoid concomitant use, monitor for busulfan toxicity. ( 7.7 ) CYP inducers and CYP inhibitors: Prolonged or accelerated half-life of metronidazole or concomitant medications; use with caution. ( 7.8 , 7.9 ) 7.1 Disulfiram Psychotic reactions have been reported in alcoholic patients who are using metronidazole, a component of PYLERA and disulfiram concurrently. PYLERA should not be given to patients who have taken disulfiram within the last two weeks [see Contraindications (4.1) ] . 7.2 Alcohol Consumption of alcoholic beverages or administration of other products containing propylene glycol during treatment with PYLERA and for at least 3 days afterwards may cause a disulfiram-like reaction (abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing) due to the interaction between alcohol or propylene glycol and metronidazole, a component of PYLERA. Discontinue alcoholic beverage or other products containing propylene glycol during and for at least 3 days after therapy with PYLERA [see Contraindications (4.2) ] . 7.3 Oral Contraceptives Concurrent use of PYLERA with oral contraceptive may make oral contraceptives less effective due to an interaction with the tetracycline component of PYLERA. Breakthrough bleeding has been reported. Women of child-bearing potential should use a different or additional form of contraception while taking PYLERA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ]. 7.4 Anticoagulants PYLERA may alter the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and other oral coumarin anticoagulants. Metronidazole has been reported to potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, and other oral coumarin anticoagulants, resulting in a prolongation of prothrombin time. Tetracycline has been shown to depress plasma prothrombin activity. Prothrombin time, International Normalized Ratio (INR), or other suitable anticoagulation tests should be closely monitored if PYLERA is administered concomitantly with warfarin. Patients should also be monitored for evidence of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ]. 7.5 Lithium In patients stabilized on relatively high doses of lithium, short-term use of PYLERA may cause elevation of serum lithium concentrations and signs of lithium toxicity due to the interaction between metronidazole and lithium. Serum lithium and serum creatinine concentrations should be monitored several days after beginning treatment with PYLERA to detect any increase that may precede clinical symptoms of lithium toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ]. 7.6 Antacids, Multivitamins, or Dairy Products The absorption of PYLERA may be reduced if administered with antacids containing aluminium, calcium, or magnesium; preparations containing iron, zinc, or sodium bicarbonate; or milk or dairy products due to the interaction between these products and tetracycline. These products should not be consumed concomitantly with PYLERA. However, the clinical significance of reduced tetracycline systemic exposure is unknown as the relative contribution of systemic versus local antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori has not been established. 7.7 Busulfan Metronidazole has been reported to increase plasma concentrations of busulfan, which can result in an increased risk for serious busulfan toxicity. Do not administer PYLERA concomitantly with busulfan unless the benefit outweighs the risk. If no therapeutic alternatives to PYLERA are available, and concomitant administration with busulfan is medically needed, monitor for busulfan toxicity and busulfan plasma concentrations and adjust the busulfan dose accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ]. 7.8 Inhibitors of CYP450 liver enzymes The simultaneous administration of PYLERA and drugs that inhibit microsomal liver enzymes, such as cimetidine, may result in a prolonged half-life and decreased plasma clearance of metronidazole. 7.9 Inducers of CYP450 liver enzymes The simultaneous administration of PYLERA and drugs that induce microsomal liver enzymes, such as phenytoin or phenobarbital, may accelerate the elimination of metronidazole, resulting in reduced plasma concentrations of metronidazole. Impaired clearance of phenytoin has also been reported in this situation. Monitor phenytoin concentrations during treatment with PYLERA.
How long does Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium and Metronidazole and Tetracycline Hydrochloride stay in your body?
The elimination half-life of bismuth subcitrate potassium and metronidazole and tetracycline hydrochloride is about 8 hours — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. This is the average for healthy adults with normal kidney and liver function; the half-life is much longer in newborns (roughly 22 to 109 hours, longer the more premature the baby). Metronidazole has an active metabolite (hydroxy-metronidazole) whose levels build up in older adults (40-80% higher) and in severe kidney disease, though the label does not give a separate half-life for it.
This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: FLAGYL (metronidazole) label, DailyMed.
Dosage forms
Capsule
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is there a coupon or discount for Pylera?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Pylera. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Pylera?
- Pylera is marketed by Labs Juvise. You can see Labs Juvise's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Pylera a brand-name or generic drug?
- Pylera is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium and Metronidazole and Tetracycline Hydrochloride.
- Is Pylera available over the counter?
- No. Pylera is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Pylera come in?
- Pylera is currently marketed as capsule, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Pylera FDA-registered?
- Pylera is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA050786. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Pylera safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Pylera. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Pylera?
- Pylera's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Most frequently reported adverse reactions (≥5%): abnormal feces, diarrhea, nausea, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact H2-Pharma, LLC at 1-833-520-8580 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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