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bismuth subsalicylate vs omadacycline

Side-by-side comparison of bismuth subsalicylate and omadacycline. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

minor Known Drug Interaction

( 7.1 ) Absorption of tetracyclines, including NUZYRA, is impaired by antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, bismuth subsalicylate and iron containing preparations. 7.2 Antacids and Iron Preparations Absorption of oral tetracyclines, including NUZYRA, is impaired by antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, bismuth subsalicylate, and iron containing preparations [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ].

Recommendation: Avoid taking these two medicines at the same time so the antibiotic can work correctly.

Drug Class
bismuth subsalicylate Antidiarrheal / Antacid
omadacycline Tetracycline Antibiotic
Type
bismuth subsalicylate Over-the-Counter
omadacycline Prescription
Summary
bismuth subsalicylate

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is a medicine that can treat diarrhea and upset stomach. It works as both an antidiarrheal and an antacid.

omadacycline

Nuzyra is an antibiotic medicine. It fights certain bacteria to treat infections.

What It Treats
bismuth subsalicylate

This medicine can help with traveler's diarrhea. You can also use it for an upset stomach if you eat or drink too much. It can relieve heartburn, indigestion, nausea, gas, belching, and feeling too full.

omadacycline

Nuzyra treats community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP), a lung infection. It also treats acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). Use Nuzyra only to treat infections proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. This helps reduce drug-resistant bacteria.

How It Works
bismuth subsalicylate

Bismuth subsalicylate works by coating your stomach and intestines. This helps to reduce inflammation and kill certain bacteria that can cause diarrhea. It also helps to reduce the amount of fluid that is secreted into your digestive tract.

omadacycline

Nuzyra is a tetracycline antibiotic. It stops bacteria from growing by interfering with their protein production. This helps your body fight off the infection.

Common Side Effects
bismuth subsalicylate
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Constipation
omadacycline
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Reactions where the IV was given
  • Increased liver enzyme levels
  • High blood pressure
FAERS Reports
bismuth subsalicylate
  • Long-term kidney disease 1,418
  • Sudden kidney damage 822
  • Kidney failure 724
  • Diarrhea 711
  • Nausea 615
omadacycline
  • Nausea 245
  • Vomiting 152
  • Diarrhoea 107
  • Incorrect Product Administration Duration 76
  • Rash 70
Serious Warnings
bismuth subsalicylate

Ask a doctor before giving this medicine to children under 12 years old.

omadacycline

Nuzyra may cause an imbalance in the number of deaths in patients with pneumonia. The cause of this is not known, so your doctor will watch you closely. Nuzyra can also cause tooth discoloration and affect bone growth in children under 8 and unborn babies. Diarrhea can occur, so tell your doctor if you have diarrhea while taking Nuzyra.

Pregnancy
bismuth subsalicylate

Ask a doctor if it is safe for you to take this medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not known if this medicine will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk.

omadacycline

Nuzyra can cause tooth discoloration and bone problems in unborn babies. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Nuzyra.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

How to Read This bismuth subsalicylate vs omadacycline Comparison

bismuth subsalicylate is classified in the Antidiarrheal / Antacid drug class, while omadacycline sits within the Tetracycline Antibiotic class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are split between OTC and prescription status, which affects access and supervision.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, bismuth subsalicylate has 4,290 submissions while omadacycline has 650. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to bismuth subsalicylate interferes with how your body takes in the antibiotic, making the medicine less effective at fighting infection.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between bismuth subsalicylate and omadacycline - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.

Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.