Combination Drug Therapy for Peptic Ulcer Disease
What To Think About
It is very important that you take all of the medicine prescribed. Do not stop taking your medicine even if you feel better. It may seem like a lot of pills to take, but it is also important to take a regimen that contains at least three medicines to cure Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Combination regimens are the most effective way to help ensure that H. pylori bacteria do not develop resistance to the antibiotics used to treat them.
Completely avoid alcohol use (including nonprescription nighttime cold medicines, such as NyQuil) when you are taking metronidazole. Combining alcohol with this medicine may cause severe nausea and vomiting.
Tetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Stay out of the sun, if possible.
- Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats, if possible.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF that your doctor recommends.
Avoid taking milk and other dairy products, antacids, or supplements and vitamins containing iron within 2 hours of taking tetracycline.
Taking these medicines with a full glass of water can help prevent irritation of the esophagus.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Reference Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
Combinations containing metronidazole or tetracycline
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. If you need to use this medicine, talk to your doctor about how you can prevent pregnancy. These medicines can also affect how well hormonal birth control methods (like the pill) work.
All other combinations
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant. Some of these medicines can also affect how well hormonal birth control methods (like the pill) work.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Some people who have been treated for H. pylori infection need Reference follow-up testing to ensure that the infection is cured.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
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| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 14, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
