Drug Notes

14c-urea (By mouth)

14C Urea (14C ure-EE-a)

Used to test for ulcers.

Brand Name(s):

Pytest

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Do not eat anything for 6 hours before the test.
• A healthcare provider will give you 1 capsule to swallow with lukewarm water. Do not touch the capsule with your fingers, because this may cause incorrect test results. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not chew it.
• About 10 minutes after you swallowed the capsule, you will give a breath sample by blowing through a straw connected to a balloon. Your breath sample will show if H pylori is in your stomach. H pylori is a bacterium that can cause a stomach ulcer.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use an antibiotic or product that contains bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol®) 4 weeks before the test. Do not use sucralfate, lansoprazole, or omeprazole 2 weeks before the test. These medicines may cause incorrect test results.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• The capsule contains a very small amount of radioactivity that should not cause harmful effects. If you have questions or concerns about this medicine, talk with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017