GENERIC NAME: VANCOMYCIN/D5W - FROZEN PIGGYBACK INJECTION (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 serious bacterial infections, such as skin infections, gynecological infections, urinary tract infections and infections of the blood, bone, heart or respiratory tract.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given through a vein. Thaw frozen container at room temperature (25 degrees C or 77 degrees F) or under refrigeration at 41 degrees F (5 degrees C). Do not try to speed up the thawing process by immersing in a water bath or placing in a microwave. The container should be hung from an eyelet support and the protector removed from the outlet port at the bottom of the container. Attach the administration set as per directions accompanying the set. Do not add any other medication to this container. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night as prescribed. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection. Do not use the solution if, after thawing, it is still cloudy, has visible particles in the solution or is discolored.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Other side effects reported include headache, trouble sleeping, swollen tongue, ringing in the ears, tingling of the hands or feet, fever, vaginal itching and dizziness. Inform your doctor if these become bothersome. The site where the injection is given may be red and irritated for a few days. Notify your doctor if the irritation continues or becomes worse. 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.
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.
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