Vancomycin (By injection)
van-koe-MYE-sin
Treats infections. Belongs to a class of drugs called antibiotics.
Drug classes
Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Vancomycin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to the family of medicines called antibiotics. Vancomycin works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Vancomycin will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Vancomycin is used to treat infections in many different parts of the body. It is sometimes given with other antibiotics. Vancomycin is also used in patients with heart valve disease (e.g., rheumatic fever) or prosthetic (artificial) heart valves who are allergic to penicillin. Under certain circumstances, this medicine also may be used to prevent endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart) in these patients who are having dental work done or surgery on the upper respiratory tract (for example, nose or throat). Vancomycin also may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Vancomycin given by injection is used mainly for serious infections for which other medicines may not work. However, this medicine may cause some serious side effects, including damage to your hearing and kidneys. These side effects may be more likely to occur in elderly patients. You and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks associated with receiving it.
Vancomycin is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.
This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IV medicine, such as a nurse. Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your medicine.
Check the IV bag to make sure there are no leaks. Also make sure the solution is clear.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and take the rest of the doses for the day at regularly spaced time intervals.
If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.
If you see particles in the solution, You should not use it.
Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Take it out of the refrigerator an hour before the time for your next dose and allow it to warm to room temperature in a clean, dry place.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking a diuretic (water pills) or any other antibiotic medicine.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vancomycin.
Warnings
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease.
Call your doctor right away if you notice any change in your hearing. Your doctor may want you to have hearing tests while you are taking vancomycin.
If this medicine is given too fast, it can sometimes cause lightheadedness, flushing, itching, or a rash on your face, neck, and upper body. Do not give this drug any faster than you are told to. Stop the vancomycin infusion and call your doctor right away if you have any of these effects.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Dizziness or trouble standing
Ringing in the ears or trouble hearing
Rash or hives
Swelling of the face, throat, or lips
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Urinating less than one cup in a day
Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
Swelling, pain, or redness near where your IV needle is placed
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild diarrhea
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.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Novaplus Vancomycin Hydrochloride, PremierPro Rx Vancomycin HCl, Vancocin HCl, Vancoled
There may be other brand names for this medicine.