Why is this drug
prescribed?
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Scientists have discovered that a
germ called
H. pylori is frequently the cause of ulcers that
form in the duodenum (the part of the digestive system
just past the stomach). Tritec, taken in combination with
the antibiotic Biaxin, helps to cure
H. pylori infection and improves your chances of
staying ulcer-free.
Most important fact about this
drug
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Tritec alone will not cure the
infection. You must also take Biaxin for the treatment to
work.
How should you take this
medication?
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Take Tritec exactly as prescribed.
For the first 2 weeks, you should take Biaxin along with
Tritec. You should then continue taking Tritec alone for
an additional 2 weeks. Tritec can be taken with or
without food.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If
it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you
missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take
2 doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a
tightly closed container away from moisture and
light.
What side effects may
occur?
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Side effects cannot be anticipated.
If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor
as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it
is safe for you to continue taking Tritec.
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Side effects may include:
Abdominal discomfort, changes in taste,
constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, female
reproductive problems, gas, headache, itching,
nausea, severe allergic reaction, skin rash, sleep
disturbances, stomach pain, vomiting
Why should this drug not be
prescribed?
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If you have ever had an allergic
reaction to Tritec or any of its ingredients, you should
not take this drug.
Special warnings about this
medication
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Tritec/Biaxin treatment is not for
people with severe kidney disease or the inherited
condition called porphyria. If you have kidney problems,
make sure the doctor is aware of them.
Tritec may cause darkening of the
tongue and the stool. This reaction is harmless and
temporary.
Possible food and drug interactions
when taking this medication
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If Tritec is taken with certain
other drugs, the effects of either can be increased,
decreased, or altered. It is especially important to
check with your doctor before combining Tritec with the
following:
Alcohol
Antacids such as Maalox and Mylanta
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
Diazepam (Valium)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Enoxacin (Penetrex)
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Metformin (Glucophage)
Nifedipine (Procardia)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Procainamide (Procan SR)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Special information if you are
pregnant or breastfeeding
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The effects of Tritec in pregnancy
have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or
plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not known whether Tritec appears in breast milk.
However, your doctor will probably want you to avoid
nursing while taking the drug.
Recommended dosage
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ADULTS
The recommended dose is 400
milligrams twice a day for 4 weeks (in combination with
500 milligrams of Biaxin 2 or 3 times a day for the first
2 weeks).
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of
Tritec have not been established in children.
Overdosage
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Although doctors have had little
experience with Tritec overdose, it's known that an
overdose of bismuth, one of the ingredients, can damage
the kidneys and the nerves. If you suspect an overdose of
Tritec, seek medical attention immediately.
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