Helicocin

Helicocin is a medicinal product with antimicrobial action. Let's consider the main indications for its use, possible side effects and contraindications.

Helicocin is part of a pharmacological group of drugs used in complex therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

Tablets are taken only as prescribed by a doctor. During treatment, it is necessary to exclude alcohol consumption, as there is a risk of developing side effects due to interaction with metronidazole. If the drug has caused persistent diarrhea, then without proper treatment, pseudomembranous colitis may develop, which is life-threatening.

Indications Helicocin

As a rule, tablets are prescribed as part of complex therapy for microbial infections of the body.

Indications for use of Helicocin:

• Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in the gastric mucosa.
• Treatment of acute and chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum caused by Helicobacter pylori (used in combination with other medications).

The medicine is taken only as prescribed by a doctor. In complex therapy, all drugs are selected very carefully to avoid side effects when interacting.

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Release form

The medicine is available in tablet form. The medicine is released in cardboard packages in blisters of 6 and 12 pieces. The tablets are round and oval, covered with an enteric coating of white color. The round tablet contains the active substance - amoxicillin 750 mg, and the active component of the oval tablet is metronidazole 500 mg.

Pharmacodynamics

The effect of the drug is due to the substances included in its composition.

• Amoxicillin is a bactericidal agent, a broad-spectrum penicillin.
• Metronidazole has bactericidal properties and is a derivative of nitroimidazole.

The pharmacodynamics of the drug indicate that both active components complement each other's action, which has a detrimental effect on Helicobacter pylori. Amoxicillin prevents the development of Helicobacter pylori resistance to the second component. The use of a combination of these substances prevents the development of relapses of ulcerative disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Pharmacokinetics

Since the drug has two active ingredients, information about the mechanism of their action after entering the body allows us to learn about the effectiveness of the therapy.

Pharmacokinetics of Helicocin:

• Amoxicillin - after oral administration, it is completely absorbed in the small intestine. Food intake does not affect the rate of absorption. The maximum concentration in the blood plasma occurs after 1-2 hours. The drug is distributed into the soft tissues and body fluids. It is excreted by the kidneys, the half-life is 1-2 hours.
• Metronidazole is rapidly and completely absorbed, the maximum concentration in the blood serum is reached 1-2 hours after oral administration. Food intake delays absorption, but does not affect the level of absorption. The substance penetrates into soft tissues and is distributed in them. It is excreted by the kidneys, the half-life is about 6-8 hours.

The active components do not affect each other's pharmacokinetics, which indicates the effectiveness of this combination drug.

Dosing and administration

Depending on the indications for use, each patient is given an individual method of administration and dose. Helicocin is taken orally, 1 tablet of both types 2-3 times a day. The duration of treatment is 12 days. If the patient has severe renal and hepatic dysfunction (creatinine Cl below 30 ml/min), then take 1 tablet 2 times a day, morning and evening.

Use Helicocin during pregnancy

Many systemic antimicrobial agents are not recommended for Helicobacter pylori eradication during pregnancy. The use of Helicocin during pregnancy is contraindicated, as the active ingredients negatively affect fetal development.

• Amoxicillin can cross the placental barrier and is excreted in breast milk.
• Metronidazole is not prescribed in the first trimester and during lactation. It is used with special caution in the II-III trimesters.

If it is necessary to use the drug during pregnancy, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the expected benefit of treatment for the mother and the potential risk to the child.

Contraindications

Helicocin has certain limitations for use in medical purposes. The drug is not prescribed in case of individual intolerance to one of the active substances, during pregnancy and lactation, in acute diseases of the central nervous system and the hematopoietic system.

Contraindications for use:

• Amoxicillin - infectious mononucleosis, gastrointestinal infections, allergic diathesis, respiratory viral infections, individual intolerance to penicillins, lymphocytic leukemia.
• Metronidazole – leukopenia (anamnesis), CNS lesions, pregnancy and lactation, renal and hepatic failure.

Helicocin is not used to treat pediatric patients.

Side effects Helicocin

As a rule, the drug is well tolerated. Side effects of Helicocin occur when the doctor's recommendations for use are not followed. Most often, patients complain of the following side effects:

• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting and nausea
• Diarrhea
• Unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth and dryness
• Nasal congestion
• Stomatitis
• Cystitis
• Dark coloring of urine
• Allergic reactions
• Dizziness
• Increased weakness and headaches

To eliminate these symptoms, it is recommended to stop taking the medication and seek medical attention.

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Overdose

High doses of the drug or its prolonged use may lead to adverse symptoms. Overdose occurs extremely rarely and is accompanied by the following phenomena:

• Nausea
• Vomit
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Increased fatigue
• Drowsiness/insomnia
• Various allergic reactions

To eliminate the above symptoms, it is recommended to stop taking the tablets and consult a doctor to adjust the dosage.

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Interactions with other drugs

Destruction of Helicobacter pylori involves the use of several drugs at the same time. Let's consider the interaction of Helicocin with other drugs:

• Amoxicillin - when used with Allopurinol, the risk of skin allergic reactions increases and the effect of oral contraceptives decreases. The substance affects the results of urine analysis, increasing the sugar content in it.
• Metronidazole - when used with Disulfiram causes psychotropic symptoms. Interaction with Doxycyclines causes potentiation of the anti-anaerobic effect. The substance enhances the anticoagulant effect of Warfarin.

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Storage conditions

To preserve the medicinal properties of the medicine, it is very important to observe its storage conditions. Tablets must be kept in the original packaging, in a place protected from moisture, sunlight and inaccessible to children. The storage temperature should not exceed 25 ° C.

Failure to comply with these recommendations leads to deterioration of the medication and loss of its medicinal and physical-chemical properties.

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Shelf life

Helicocin must be used within 48 months from the date of manufacture. The expiration date of the drug is indicated on its packaging. The use of an expired drug is contraindicated, as it can cause uncontrolled reactions from many organs and systems.