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vancomycin (oral)
vancomycin (oral)
What is the most important information I should know about vancomycin?
What is the most important information I should know about vancomycin?
Oral vancomycin works only in the intestines and will not treat infections in other parts of the body. Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is vancomycin?
What is vancomycin?
Vancomycin is an antibiotic. Oral (taken by mouth) vancomycin fights bacteria in the intestines.
Vancomycin is used to treat an infection of the intestines caused by Clostridium difficile, which can cause watery or bloody diarrhea. Vancomycin is also used to treat staph infections that can cause inflammation of the colon and small intestines.
Oral vancomycin works only in the intestines and is not normally absorbed into the body. This medicine will not treat other types of infection. An injection form of vancomycin is available to treat serious infections in other parts of the body.
Vancomycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vancomycin?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vancomycin?
You should not vancomycin if you are allergic to it.
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.
How should I take vancomycin?
How should I take vancomycin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Taking more of this medicine will not make it more effective, and may cause serious or life-threatening side effects.
Shake the oral solution (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
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.
If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
Store vancomycin capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a 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.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using vancomycin?
What should I avoid while using vancomycin?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of vancomycin?
What are the possible side effects of vancomycin?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Certain side effects may occur if your body absorbs vancomycin through the intestinal walls. 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.
Side effects on the kidneys may be more likely in older adults taking this medicine.
Common side effects may include:
- low potassium;
- nausea; or
- stomach pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect vancomycin?
What other drugs will affect vancomycin?
Other drugs may affect 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.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about vancomycin.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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