Vancomycin

Vancomycin is used to treat colitis (inflammation of the intestine caused by certain bacteria) that may occur after taking an antibiotic. Vancomycin is in a class of medications called glycopeptide antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria in the intestines. Vancomycin will not kill bacteria in any other part of the body when taken by mouth.

Antibiotics such as vancomycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Vancomycin comes as a capsule and oral solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is taken 3 to 4 times a day for 7 to 10 days. Take it around the same times every day. 

Take vancomycin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the oral solution well before each use so it mixes evenly.

You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with vancomycin. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.

Take vancomycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking vancomycin too soon or miss doses, your infection may not be completely cured and bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

This medication should not be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking vancomycin,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had. .
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking vancomycin. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had inflammatory bowel disease (swelling of the intestine that can cause painful cramps or diarrhea), including Crohn's disease (a condition in which the body attacks the digestive tract, causing pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever) and ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon and rectum); hearing loss; or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking vancomycin, call your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Vancomycin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or does not go away:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• stomach pain; gas
• headache
• back pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
• hives, itching, rash; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• sores or blisters in mouth, or on tongue or lips
• redness of the skin above the waist; pain and muscle tightness of the chest and back
• ringing in the ears
• urinating less often than usual

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store vancomycin capsules at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Store vancomycin oral solution in the refrigerator.

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the vancomycin, call your doctor.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

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