Pylera

— THERAPEUTIC CATEGORIES —
  • Hyperacidity, GERD, and ulcers

Pylera Generic Name & Formulations

General Description

Bismuth subcitrate potassium 140mg, metronidazole 125mg, tetracycline HCl 125mg; caps.

Pharmacological Class

Antimicrobial/antibiotics.

How Supplied

Caps—120

Manufacturer

Generic Availability

YES

Mechanism of Action

Tetracycline interacts with the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and inhibits protein synthesis. Metronidazole’s antibacterial mechanism of action in an anaerobic environment is not fully understood but possibly includes reduction by intracellular electron transport proteins after entry into the organism. Because of this alteration to the metronidazole molecule, a concentration gradient is created and maintained which promotes the drug’s intracellular transport. Presumably, free radicals are formed which, in turn, react with cellular components resulting in death of bacteria. The antibacterial action of bismuth salts is not well understood.

Pylera Indications

Indications

To eradicate H. pylori, in combination with omeprazole, in patients with H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease (active or history of).

Pylera Dosage and Administration

Adult

Swallow whole with 8 oz water. 3 caps 4 times daily after meals and at bedtime for 10 days (give with omeprazole 20mg twice daily with breakfast and dinner for 10 days).

Children

Not established.

Pylera Contraindications

Contraindications

Concomitant methoxyflurane. During or within 14 days of disulfiram. Alcohol or propylene-glycol containing products (during and for ≥3days after treatment). Cockayne syndrome. Severe renal impairment. Pregnancy.

Pylera Boxed Warnings

Boxed Warning

Potential for carcinogenicity.

Pylera Warnings/Precautions

Warnings/Precautions

May cause permanent teeth discoloration during 2nd/3rd trimester of pregnancy and children up to 8yrs of age; avoid. Discontinue if superinfection, skin erythema or cutaneous reaction occurs. Blood dyscrasias. Monitor CBC with differential before and after treatment. Avoid sun, UV light. Severe hepatic impairment: not recommended; monitor in mild to moderate. Children ≤8yrs: avoid. High tetracycline doses may cause hepatotoxicity in pregnancy. Nursing mothers: not recommended.

Pylera Pharmacokinetics

See Literature

Pylera Interactions

Interactions

See Contraindications. May antagonize oral contraceptives (use non-hormonal backup method). Absorption reduced by antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium; and by iron, zinc, sodium bicarbonate, and dietary calcium (clinical significance unknown). Potentiated by CYP450 inhibitors (eg, cimetidine). Antagonized by CYP450 inducers (eg, phenytoin, phenobarbital); monitor phenytoin levels. Potentiates busulfan; avoid or monitor if clinically indicated. Monitor lithium, warfarin. QT prolongation esp. when concomitant drugs that prolong the QT interval. Intracranial hypertension with concomitant isotretinoin; avoid. May interfere with GI X-rays, liver function tests, others.

Pylera Adverse Reactions

Adverse Reactions

Abnormal stool, diarrhea, nausea, headache; encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, aseptic meningitis, intracranial hypertension (monitor), neurotoxicity, tongue darkening, leukopenia, rash.

Pylera Clinical Trials

See Literature

Pylera Note

Not Applicable

Pylera Patient Counseling

See Literature