GENERIC NAME: VANCOMYCIN - ORAL (vank-oh-MY-sin)
BRAND NAME(S): Vancocin
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is an antibiotic used to treat infections.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed usually three to four times a day for 7 to 10 days. For best results, take each dose at evenly spaced intervals around the clock. This will ensure a constant level of medication in your blood. Take this medication for the full time prescribed. Do not stop taking this without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in a reinfection.
SIDE EFFECTS: Indigestion or stomach ache may occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: dizziness, difficulty hearing, fever or chills. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, hearing problems, stomach/intestinal problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Vancomycin should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Because the effect on a nursing infant is unknown, consult your doctor before you breast feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you use, including: aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, neomycin), amphotericin B, other antibiotics, live vaccines. If you will be undergoing treatment requiring anesthesia, tell the doctor/dentist you have been using vancomycin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- MRSA - Learn MRSA infection causes (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus superbug), symptoms, signs, treatment facts and transmission by MRSA carrier.
- Clostridium Difficile Colitis (Antibiotic-Associated Colitis, C. difficile colitis) - Learn about clostridium difficile, or C. difficile the most common gut bug infection and growing epidemic. C. difficile symptoms include bloody diarrhea, fever, severe abdominal pain.
- Sepsis - Sepsis (blood poisoning) can be a deadly infection. Get the facts on the causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention of sepsis.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows