vancomycin

Pronunciation:	van koe MYE sin
Brand:	Lyphocin, Vancocin HCl, Vancocin HCl Pulvules

What is the most important information I should know about vancomycin?

Before taking vancomycin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease, problems with your hearing, or a chronic intestinal condition such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis.

Vancomycin can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any hearing problems or ringing in your ears.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your hearing will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Vancomycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

What is vancomycin?

Vancomycin is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.

Vancomycin is used to treat infections of the intestines that cause colitis (inflammation of the large intestine).

Vancomycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vancomycin?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to vancomycin.

Before taking vancomycin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease,
hearing problems; or
a chronic intestinal condition such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use vancomycin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Vancomycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take vancomycin?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Vancomycin can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your hearing will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Vancomycin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals.

Measure the liquid form of vancomycin with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Store vancomycin capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Store vancomycin oral liquid in the refrigerator, but do not allow it to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a vancomycin overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking vancomycin?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking vancomycin unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor.

Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

What are the possible side effects of vancomycin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using vancomycin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

hearing loss, ringing in your ears;

urinating less than usual or not at all;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
skin rash, redness, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or
severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Keep taking vancomycin and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

dizziness;
nausea;
back pain; or
muscle pain or tightness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect vancomycin?

Before taking vancomycin, tell your doctor if you are using any of these other antibiotic medications:

amikacin (Amikin);
gentamicin (Garamycin);
kanamycin (Kantrex);
neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab);
netilmicin (Netromycin);
streptomycin; or
tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use vancomycin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect vancomycin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about vancomycin written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Vancomycin is available with a prescription generically and under the brand names Vancocin, Lyphocin, and Vancoled. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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