What is Vancomycin? Uses, warnings & side effects

Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

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.

Check the IV bag to make sure there are no leaks. Also make sure the solution is clear.

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.

Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

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.

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.

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to vancomycin, corn, or corn products.

Swelling, pain, or redness near where your IV needle is placed

Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or hearing problems. Tell your doctor if you have a restricted sodium intake.

This medicine may cause the following problems:Infusion reactionsKidney damageHearing loss

This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Urinating less than one cup in a day

Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Amphotericin B, bacitracin, polymyxin B, cisplatin, colistin, viomycinAminoglycoside antibiotic (including amikacin, gentamicin, streptomycin)Diuretic (water pill)NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

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.