A problem that many people in our country have is gastritis, or stomach inflammation and ulcers. Sometimes the main cause of this is an infection with a bacteria called `H. pylori` that lives inside our stomach. So if your doctor has prescribed medicine to eliminate this infection, you will most likely receive a combination of several medications. Today we will talk about a combination of three such commonly used drugs. They are Omeprazole, Amoxicillin and Rifabutin.
What really happens with this combination of medications?
This is a combination of three medications. Let's see what happens with each one.
- Omeprazole: Simply put, this works by reducing the amount of acid produced in your stomach. These are called Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) medications. When the stomach acid is reduced, a better environment is created for the existing ulcer to heal. It also reduces inflammation.
- Amoxicillin and Rifabutin: Both of these are antibiotics. The main function of both of them is to destroy the annoying `H. pylori` bacteria. One belongs to the `(Penicillin)` type, and the other belongs to the `(Rifamycin)` type. Only if this bacteria is completely destroyed, the stomach ulcer will heal completely without reoccurring.
So, do you understand? While one medicine helps to control stomach acid and heal the ulcer, the other two medicines kill the original cause of the ulcer, which is the bacteria.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially if you have any:
| Your situation | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | Because the medication is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, the dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| Liver disease | The effects of medications on liver function may vary. |
| Lupus | This medication can sometimes worsen lupus symptoms. |
| Tuberculosis (TB) | The drug rifabutin can affect tuberculosis treatments. |
| If you wear contact lenses | This medication may cause tear discoloration and permanent staining of contact lenses. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | This is very important if you are allergic to these drugs or other penicillin-type drugs. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about the safety of this medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Since medications can pass to the baby through breast milk, it is essential to inform the doctor about this. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
As the doctor says, the most important thing is to take the right dose at the right time.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water .
- It is best to take it with food.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule. Swallow it whole.
- The most important thing is to take the full course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Don't stop taking the medication halfway, even if you feel a little better. Doing so may cause the bacteria to return, rather than being completely eliminated.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
When you take this medicine, some other medications may interact with it, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
- Some medications used to treat HIV (e.g. Atazanavir, Rilpivirine) and some other medications should never be taken together with this medicine.
- Also, many medications, such as birth control pills, blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin), medications for fungal infections, iron pills, and some medications for epilepsy (e.g., Phenytoin), can interact with this medicine.
This is not a complete list. So for your safety, talk to your doctor about any medication you take. He or she will guide you exactly.
Special things to be aware of when taking medication
- Diarrhea: Some people may experience diarrhea while taking this medication. However, if your diarrhea is severe and lasts for more than two days, do not take the medication from the pharmacy and call your doctor immediately.
- Severe skin reactions: Although rare, this medicine can cause severe skin reactions. If you have a fever, body aches, red or purple spots on your skin that later blister, and it feels like your skin is peeling, including inside your mouth, seek medical advice immediately.
- Birth control: Very important! While taking this medication, the effectiveness of your birth control pills may be reduced. Therefore, if you want to prevent pregnancy, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control (e.g., condoms) during this time.
- Discoloration of body fluids: Rifabutin in this medicine may cause your urine, sweat, tears, and saliva to turn a reddish-orange color. This is normal and should not be alarming. However, this discoloration of tears may cause permanent staining of soft contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor whether you can wear them while taking this medicine. Teeth may also be stained.
- Diabetes: If you are diabetic, a urine sugar test while taking this medication may give a false-positive result. Talk to your doctor about this as well.
What side effects can be seen?
Like any medication, this one can cause some side effects. Although most are not serious, there are some things to be aware of.
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Severe skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Severe diarrhea | Profuse, watery diarrhea with fever. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Normal diarrhea | Mild diarrhea that does not subside within a few days. |
| Other | Headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain. |
Take-Home Message
- Be sure to finish the entire course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you feel better.
- Take this medicine with food, with a full glass of water. Swallow the capsule whole.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if severe skin reactions, excessive diarrhea, or allergic symptoms occur.
- Talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control, as birth control pills may be less effective while taking this medication.
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