Vancomycin

Common use

Vancomycin is an antibiotic. Vancomycin is used to treat an infection of the intestines caused by Clostridium difficile, which can cause watery or bloody diarrhea. This medicine is also used to treat staph infections that can cause inflammation of the colon and small intestines.

Dosage and direction

Take vancomycin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Taking more of vancomycin will not make it more effective, and may cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Vancomycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Precautions

To make sure vancomycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: an intestinal disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis; kidney disease; hearing problems; or if you are receiving any intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Contraindications

You should not vancomycin if you are allergic to it. Oral vancomycin works only in the intestines and will not treat infections in other parts of the body.

Possible side effect

Common vancomycin side effects may include: low potassium; nausea; or stomach pain.
Call your doctor at once if you have: increased diarrhea that is watery or bloody; hearing loss, ringing in your ears; kidney problems - swelling, rapid weight gain, pain in your side or lower back, little or no urination; or low potassium level - leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Drug interaction

Other drugs may interact with vancomycin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Missed dose

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store the capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep away from children.