bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, tetracycline hydrochloride
Dosage Form: capsule
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
Indications and Usage for Pylera
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Pylera and other antibacterial drugs, Pylera should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Patients with Active Duodenal Ulcer or History of Duodenal Ulcer Disease
Pylera in combination with omeprazole are indicated for the treatment of patients with Helicobacter pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease (active or history of within the past 5 years) to eradicate H. pylori. The eradication of Helicobacter pylori has been shown to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence.
Pylera Dosage and Administration
Each dose of Pylera is 3 capsules. Each dose of all 3 capsules should be taken 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).
| 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.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Each Pylera capsule contains 140 mg of bismuth subcitrate potassium, 125 mg of metronidazole, and a smaller capsule inside containing 125 mg of tetracycline hydrochloride. The capsules are white and opaque, with the Axcan Pharma logo printed on the body and “BMT” printed on the cap.
Contraindications
Methoxyflurane
Do not administer methoxyflurane to patients taking Pylera. The concurrent use of tetracycline hydrochloride, a component of Pylera, with methoxyflurane has been reported to result in fatal renal toxicity [See Drug Interactions (7.1)].
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 (7.2)].
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 (abdomincal 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 (7.3].
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.
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)].
Warnings and Precautions
Fetal Toxicity
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Pylera in pregnant women. However, tetracycline can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant women. The use of drugs of the tetracycline class during the second and third trimester pregnancy can also cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray brown) and possibly inhibit bone development [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Administration of oral tetracycline to pregnant rats at various doses resulted in yellow fluorescence in teeth and bones in newborn animals. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus [See Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]
Maternal Toxicity
Tetracycline 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 Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
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 commom during long-term use of the drug, but has been observed following repeated short-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)] .
Central and Peripheral Nervous System Effects
Metronidazole: Cases of encephalopathy and peripheral neuropathy (including optic neuropathy) have been reported with metronidazole: 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.
Convulsive seizures have been reported in patients treated with metronidazole.
Aseptic meningitis: Cases of aseptic meningitis have been reported with metronidazole. Symptoms can occur within hours of dose adiminstration and generally resolve after metronidazole therapy is discontinued.
Tetracycline: Cases of pseudotumor cerebri in adults have been associated with the use of tetracycline. The usual clinical manifestations are headache and blurred vision. While this condition and related symptoms usually resolve soon after discontinuation of the tetracycline, the possibility for permanent sequelae exists.
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)]
Development of Superinfections
Known or previously unrecognized candidiasis may present more prominent symptoms during therapy with metronidazole and requires treatment with an antifungal agent.
As with other antibiotics, use of tetracycline hydrochloride may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, discontinue Pylera and institute appropriate therapy
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.
Darkening of the Tongue and/or Black Stool
Bismuth subcitrate potassium may cause temporary and harmless darkening of the tongue and/or black stool, generally reversible within several days after treatment is stopped [See Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Stool darkening should not be confused with melena.
Use in Patients with Blood Dyscrasias
Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole, and should be used with care in patients with evidence or history of blood dyscrasia. A mild leukopenia has been observed during its administration; however, no persistent hematologic abnormalities attributable to metronidazole have been observed in clinical studies. Total and differential leukocyte counts are recommended before and after therapy [See Adverse Reactions (6.3)].
Laboratory Test Interactions
Bismuth absorbs x-rays and may interfere with x-ray diagnostic procedures of the gastrointestinal tract.
Bismuth subcitrate potassium may cause a temporary and harmless darkening of the stool. However, this change does not interfere with standard tests for occult blood.
Metronizadole may interfere with certain types of determinations of serum chemistry values, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST, SGOT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, SGPT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), triglycerides, and hexokinase glucose. Values of zero may be observed. All of the assays in which interference has been reported involve enzymatic coupling of the assay to oxidation-reduction of nicotinamide (NAD+ <=> NADH). Interference is due to the similarity in absorbance peaks of NADH (340 nm) and metronidazole (322 nm) at pH 7
Development of Drug Resistant Bacteria
Prescribing Pylera in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Adverse Reactions
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 OAC group include diarrhea, dysgeusia, dyspepsia, nausea and headache.
Table 2 lists adverse reactions with an incidence of ≥ 1%, in either groups (OBMT vs OAC) and in order of decreasing incidence for the OBMT group.
| ||
| Preferred Term | OBMT* (n = 147) | OAC† (n = 152) |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | ||
| Abnormal feces‡ | 23 (15.6%) | 7 (4.6%) |
| Nausea | 12 (8.2%) | 14 (9.2%) |
| Diarrhea | 10 (6.8%) | 20 (13.2%) |
| Abdominal Pain | 7 (4.8%) | 2 (1.3%) |
| Dyspepsia | 4 (2.7%) | 10 (6.6%) |
| Constipation | 2 (1.4%) | 5 (3.3%) |
| Dry Mouth | 2 (1.4%) | 1 (0.7%) |
| Flatulence | 0 | 4 (2.6%) |
| Glossitis | 0 | 2 (1.3%) |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | ||
| Asthenia | 5 (3.4%) | 2 (1.3%) |
| Infections and infestations | ||
| Vaginal infection | 4 (2.7%) | 3 (2.0%) |
| Nervous system disorders | ||
| Headache | 8 (5.4%) | 8 (5.3%) |
| Dysgeusia | 6 (4.1%) | 18 (11.8%) |
| Dizziness | 4 (2.7%) | 4 (2.6%) |
| Investigations | ||
| Laboratory test abnormal | 3 (2.0%) | 4 (2.6%) |
| Alanine aminotransferase increased | 2 (1.4%) | 0 |
| Aspartate aminotransferase increased | 2 (1.4%) | 0 |
| Renal and urinary disorders | ||
| Urine abnormality | 2 (1.4%) | 0 |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | ||
| Rash Maculo-Papular | 2 (1.4%) | 0 |
| Rash | 1 (0.7%) | 3 (2.0%) |
| Pruritus | 0 | 4 (2.6%) |
Adverse reactions with an incidence of <1% for OBMT group are: back pain, vomiting, tongue darkening [See Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]., anxiety, gastritis, gastroenteritis, myalgia, chest pain, increased appetite, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, malaise, somnolence, tachycardia, duodenal ulcer, visual disturbance, weight increased.
Postmarketing Experience
Additionally, the following adverse reactions, presented by system organ class in alphabetical order, have been identified during post approval use of Pylera. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal distention, eructation, flatulence
- General disorders and administration site conditions: chest discomfort, fatigue.
- Infections and infestations: candidiasis.
Other Important Adverse Reactions from Labeling for the Individual Components of Pylera
Metronidazole
Blood and Lymphatic system disorders: reversible neutropenia, (leucopenia) in cases of prolonged treatment; rarely reversible thrombocytopenia however no persistent haematological abnormalities attributable to metronidazole have been observed [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Cardiac disorders: Flattening of the T-wave may be seen in electrocardiographic tracings.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Furry tongue, glositis, stomatitis; these may be associated with a sudden overgrowth of candida which may occur during therapy[See Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Immune system disorders: Urticaria, erythematous rash, Stevens - Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, flushing, nasal congestion, and fever [See Contraindications (4.5)].
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Cases of pancreatitis have been reported, which abated on withdrawal of the drug, have been reported.
Nervous system disorders: The most serious adverse reactions reported in patients treated with metronidazole have been convulsive seizures, encephalopathy, aseptic meningitis, optic and peripheral neuropathy, the latter characterized mainly by numbness or paresthesia of an extremity. In addition, patients have reported syncope, vertigo, incoordination, ataxia, confusion, dysarthria, irritability, depression, weakness and insomnia [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, neutropenia, and eosinophilia.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Rare instances of esophagitis and esophageal ulceration have been reported in patients taking the tetracycline-class antibiotics in capsule and tablet form. Most of the patients who experienced esophageal irritation took the medication immediately before going to bed. Permanent discoloration of teeth may be caused when tetracycline is used during tooth development. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Nervous system disorders: Pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension) in adults and bulging fontanels in infants. Tinnitus and myasthenic syndrome have been reported rarely.
Renal and urinary disorders: Rise in BUN has been reported and is possibly dose related [See Contraindications (4.4)].
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Exfoliative dermatitis and photosensitivity have been rarely reported [See Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Drug Interactions
Methoxyflurane
Do not administer methoxyflurane to patients taking Pylera. The concurrent use of tetracycline hydrochloride, a component of Pylera, with methoxyflurane has been reported to result in fatal renal toxicity [See Contraindications (4.1)].
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 2 weeks [See Contraindications (4.2)].
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 (4.3)].
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.
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.
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.
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.
Penicillin
Bacteriostatic drugs, such as the tetracycline class of antibiotics, may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin; therefore, penicillin should not be used concomitantly with Pylera.
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.
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.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category D [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Pylera contains bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline hydrochloride. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Pylera in pregnant women. However, tetracycline can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. The use of tetracycline during the second and third trimester pregnancy can cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray brown) and possibly inhibit bone development. Administration of oral tetracycline to pregnant animals at various doses resulted in yellow fluorescence in teeth and bones. If Pylera is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking Pylera, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
The available human and animal data are summarized below for each of Pylera's active ingredients:
Tetracycline
Published case reports have described the yellowing of bones and teeth in human infants exposed to tetracycline during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. The yellowing is caused by the direct deposition of tetracycline during the mineralization process. The discoloration is more common during long-term use of the drug but has also been observed following repeated short-term courses. All tetracyclines form a stable calcium complex in any bone forming tissue. A decrease in fibula growth rate was observed in premature infants given oral tetracycline in doses of 25 mg/kg every six hours. The effect resolved when the drug was discontinuted. One long-term follow-up study in children exposed to tetracycline in-utero showed no adverse effects on bone growth and development.
Tetracycline 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 Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
Results of animal studies indicate that tetracycline crosses the placenta, is found in fetal tissues, and can have toxic effects on the developing fetus (often related to reversible retardation of skeletal development). Evidence of embryotoxicity has also been noted in animals treated early in pregnancy. Multiple studies of limited design were conducted with pregnant and lactating female rats that resulted in fetuses and neonates with yellow discoloration of bones and teeth.
Metronidazole
There are published data from case-control studies, cohort studies, and 2 meta-analyses that include more than 5000 pregnant women who used metronidazole during pregnancy. Many studies included first trimester exposures. One study showed an increased risk of cleft lip, with or without cleft palate, in infants exposed to metronidazole in-utero; however, these findings were not confirmed. In additon, more than ten randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials enrolled more than 5000 pregnant women to assess the use of antibiotic treatment (including metronidazole) for bacterial vaginosis on the incidence of preterm delivery. Most studies did not show an increased risk for congenital anomalies or other adverse fetal outcomes following metronidazole exposure during pregnancy. These studies conducted to assess the risk of infant cancer following metronidazole exposure during pregnancy did not show an increased risk; however, the ability of these studies to detect such a signal was limited.
Metronidazole crosses the placental barrier and its effects on the human fetal organogenesis are not known. No fetotoxicity was observed when metronidazole was administered orally to pregnant mice at 10 mg/kg/day, approximately 5 percent of the indicated human dose (1500 mg/day) based on body surface area; however in a single small study where the drug was administered intraperitoneally, some intrauterine deaths were observed. The relationship of these findings to the drug is unknown.
Bismuth subcitrate potassium
Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with bismuth subcitrate potassium. It is also not known whether bismuth subcitrate potassium can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant women or can affect reproduction capacity.
Nursing Mothers
Pylera contains bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline hydrochloride. Metronidazole is present in human milk at concentrations similar to maternal serum levels, and infant serum levels can be close to or comparable to infant therapeutic levels. Because of the potential for tumorigenicity shown for metronidazole in animal studies, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue metronidazole, taking into account the importance of the therapy to the mother. Alternatively, a nursing mother may choose to pump and discard human milk for the duration of Pylera therapy, and for 24 hours after therapy ends and feed her infant stored human milk or formula.
Tetracycline is present in human milk at concentrations similar to maternal serum levels; however, it binds with calcium in human milk. Data indicate that oral absorption of tetracycline in infants is low due to the calcium binding in human milk. It is not known whether bismuth subcitrate potassium is excreted in human milk.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of Pylera in pediatric patients infected with Helicobacter pylori have not been established.
Tetracycline use in children may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. Pylera should not be used in children up to 8 years of age [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Geriatric Use
Of the 324 patients who received Pylera in clinical studies, 40 were ≥ 65 years old. Clinical studies of Pylera did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently than younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, elderly patients may have a greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and concomitant diseases or other drug therapies. Bismuth subcitrate potassium, a component of Pylera, is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, additional monitoring may be required [See Contraindications (4.4)].
Renal Impairment
The antianabolic action of the tetracyclines may cause an increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN). While this is not a problem in those with normal renal function, in patients with severe renal impairment, higher serum concentrations of tetracycline may lead to azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, and acidosis [See Contraindications (4.4)]
Hepatic Impairment
Patients with severe hepatic disease metabolize metronidazole slowly, with resultant accumulation of metronidazole and its metabolites in plasma. Use Pylera with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
Overdosage
In case of an overdose, patients should contact a physician, poison control center, or emergency room. There is neither a pharmacological basis nor data suggesting an increased toxicity of the combination compared to individual components.
Pylera Description
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)2K5●3 H2O. The equivalent theoretical molecular formula is BiC12H14K5O17. 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 C6H9N3O3 and the following structural formula:
Molecular weight: 171.2
Tetracycline hydrochloride is a yellow, odorless, crystalline powder. Tetracycline hydrochloride is stable in air, but exposure to strong sunlight causes it to darken. Tetracycline hydrochloride is (4S,4aS,5aS,6S,12aS) - 4 - (dimethylamino) - 1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a - octahydro - 3,6,10,12,12a - penta - hydroxy - 6 - methyl - 1,11 - dioxo - 2 - naphthacenecarboxamide hydrochloride, with a molecular formula of C22H24N2O8●HCl and the following structural formula:
Molecular weight: 480.90
Pylera - Clinical Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pylera, a combination of bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole and tetracycline hydrochloride is an antibacterial agent [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.4)].
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of the individual components of Pylera, bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidzole, tetracycline hydrochloride, are summarized below. In addition, two studies on Pylera were conducted to determine the effect of co-administration on the pharmacokinetics of the components.
Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium (Bismuth)
Absorption and Distribution
Orally absorbed bismuth is distributed throughout the entire body. Bismuth is highly bound to plasma proteins (>90%).
Metabolism and Excretion
The elimination half-life of bismuth is approximately 5 days in both blood and urine. Elimination of bismuth is primarily through urinary and biliary routes. The rate of renal elimination appears to reach steady state 2 weeks after treatment discontinuation with similar rates of elimination at 6 weeks after discontinuation. The average urinary elimination of bismuth is 2.6% per day in the first two weeks after discontinuation (urine drug concentrations 24 to 250 mcg/mL) suggesting tissue accumulation and slow elimination.
Metronidazole
Absorption and Distribution
Following oral administration, metronidazole is well absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations occurring between 1 and 2 hours after administration. Plasma concentrations of metronidazole are proportional to the administered dose, with oral administration of 500 mg producing a peak plasma concentration of 12 mcg/mL.
Metronidazole appears in the plasma mainly as unchanged compound with lesser quantities of the 2-hydroxymethyl metabolite also present. Less than 20% of the circulating metronidazole is bound to plasma proteins. Metronidazole also appears in cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and breast milk in concentration similar to those found in plasma.
Metabolism and Excretion
The average elimination half-life of metronidazole in normal volunteers is 8 hours. The major route of elimination of metronidazole and its metabolites is via the urine (60% to 80% of the dose), with fecal excretion accounting for 6% to 15% of the dose. The metabolites that appear in the urine result primarily from side-chain oxidation [1-(β-hydroxyethyl) 2-hydroxymethyl-5-nitroimidazole and 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole-1-yl-acetic acid] and glucuronide conjugation, with unchanged metronidazole accounting for approximately 20% of the total. Renal clearance of metronidazole is approximately 10 mL/min/1.73m2.
Decreased renal function does not alter the single dose pharmacokinetics of metronidazole. In patients with decreased liver function, plasma clearance of metronidazole is decreased.
Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion
Tetracycline hydrochloride is absorbed (60%-90%) in the stomach and upper small intestine. The presence of food, milk or cations may significantly decrease the extent of absorption. In the plasma, tetracycline is bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. It is concentrated by the liver in the bile and excreted in the urine and feces at high concentrations in biologically active form.
Tetracycline hydrochloride is distributed into most body tissues and fluids. It is distributed into the bile and undergoes varying degrees of enterohepatic recirculation. Tetracycline hydrochloride tends to localize in tumors, necrotic or ischemic tissue, liver and spleen and form tetracycline-calcium orthophosphate complexes at sites of new bone formation or tooth development. Tetracycline readily crosses the placenta and is excreted in high amounts in breast milk.
Pylera Capsules
A comparative bioavailability study of metronidazole (375 mg), tetracycline hydrochloride (375 mg) and bismuth subcitrate potassium (420 mg, equivalent to 120 mg Bi2O3) administered as Pylera or as 3 separate capsule formulations administered simultaneously was conducted in healthy male volunteers. The pharmacokinetic parameters for the individual drugs, when administered as separate capsule formulations or as Pylera, are similar as shown in Table 3.
| ||||
| Cmax(ng/mL) (%C.V.*) | AUCT (ng · h/mL) (%C.V.*) | AUC∞ (ng · h/mL) (%C.V.*) | ||
| Metronidazole | Metronidazole Capsule | 9044 (20) | 80289 (15) | 81849 (16) |
| Pylera† | 8666.3 (22) | 83018 (17) | 84413 (17) | |
| Tetracycline | Tetracycline Capsules | 748.0 (40) | 9544 (55) | 9864 (53) |
| Pylera† | 774 (47) | 9674 (50) | 9987 (49) | |
| Bismuth | Bismuth Capsule | 22 (123) | 47 (129) | 65.4 (113) |
| Pylera† | 17 (202) | 43 (191) | 57 (178) | |
Effect of Bismuth on the Bioavailability of Tetracycline Hydrochloride
There is an anticipated reduction in tetracycline hydrochloride systemic absorption due to an interaction with bismuth. The effect of a reduced tetracycline hydrochloride systemic exposure, due to an interaction with bismuth, on the clinical efficacy of Pylera is not thought to be clinically meaningful as the contribution of systemic, as compared to local, antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori has not been established.
Effect of Food on the Bioavailability of Pylera
The pharmacokinetic parameters for metronidazole, tetracycline hydrochloride and bismuth were also determined when Pylera was administered under fasting and fed conditions, as shown in Table 4. Food reduced the systemic absorption of all three Pylera components, with AUC values for metronidazole, tetracycline hydrochloride and bismuth being reduced by 6%, 34% and 60%, respectively. Reduction in the absorption of all three Pylera components in the presence of food is not considered to be clinically significant. Pylera should be given after meals and at bedtime, in combination with omeprazole twice a day.
| ||||||
| FED | FASTED | |||||
| metronidazole | tetracycline | bismuth | metronidazole | tetracycline | bismuth | |
| Cmax (ng/mL)(%C.V.) | 6835.0 (13) | 515.8 (36) | 1.7 (61) | 8666.3 (22) | 773.8 (47) | 16.7 (202) |
| Tmax (hours)†(range) | 3.0 (1.3 – 4.0) | 4.0 (2.5 – 5.0) | 3.5 (0.8 – 6.0) | 0.75 (0.5 - 3.5) | 3.3 (1.3 – 5.0) | 0.6 (0.5 – 1.7) |
| AUC∞(ng · h/mL)(%C.V.) | 79225.6 (18) | 5840.1 (312) | 18.4 (116) | 84413.6 (17) | 9986.7 (49) | 56.5 (178) |
Effect of Omeprazole on the Bioavailability of Bismuth
The effect of omeprazole on bismuth absorption was assessed in 34 healthy volunteers given Pylera (four times daily) with or without omeprazole (20 mg twice daily) for 6 days. In the presence of omeprazole, the extent of absorption of bismuth from Pylera was significantly increased, compared to when no omeprazole was given (Table 5). Concentration-dependent neurotoxicity is associated with long-term use of bismuth and not likely to occur with short-term administration or at steady state concentrations below 50 ng/mL. One subject transiently achieved a maximum bismuth concentration (Cmax) higher than 50 ng/mL (73 ng/mL) following multiple dosing of Pylera with omeprazole. The patient did not exhibit symptoms of neurotoxicity during the study. There is no clinical evidence to suggest that short-term exposure to bismuth Cmax concentrations above 50 ng/mL is associated with neurotoxicity.
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