Vancomycin



Vancocin®







Vancomycin

(van koe MYE sin)

U.S. Brand Names
Vancocin®
Canadian Brand Names
Vancocin®
Pharmacologic Category
Antibiotic, Miscellaneous
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to vancomycin or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have hearing loss.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent or treat a variety of bacterial infections.
How does it work?
  • Vancomycin works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • All forms:
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Injection:
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.
  • This medicine can be given at home.
  • Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
  • Oral:
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not use a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • During the infusion, a rash on the face, neck, trunk, and arms.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store capsules at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store liquid (solution) in a refrigerator. Protect from light. Throw away any unused portion after 2 weeks.
  • Store injection as directed by healthcare provider.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: