Before taking Vancomycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using Vancomycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, hearing problems, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., inflammatory disorders of the intestines).
The elderly may be less able to remove Vancomycin from their bodies. Therefore, caution is advised when using Vancomycin in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
During pregnancy, Vancomycin should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Vancomycin passes into breast milk. Because the effect on a nursing infant is unknown, breast-feeding while using Vancomycin is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Take Vancomycin by mouth, usually 4 times a day for 7 to 10 days or as directed by your doctor.
Dosage of Vancomycin is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Cholestyramine and colestipol can decrease Vancomycin's effects when given at the same time. If you are taking either of these drugs, separate them from Vancomycin by at least 3 to 4 hours. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist about the best way to do this.
This antibiotic works best when the amount of medicine in your intestines is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take Vancomycin at evenly spaced intervals.
Continue to take Vancomycin until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists after 7 days or worsens at any time.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Nausea or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Vancomycin because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Vancomycin do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: dizziness, difficulty hearing (e.g., ringing in the ears, hearing loss), fever, chills.
A very serious allergic reaction to Vancomycin is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Vancomycin side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Vancomycin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
(See also How to Use section.)
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Vancomycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, neomycin), amphotericin B, other antibiotics, live bacterial vaccines.
If you will be undergoing treatment requiring anesthesia, tell the doctor/dentist you have been using Vancomycin.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.