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What is Vancomycin?

Vancomycin is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is prescribed intravenously for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-caused skin infections, bloodstream infections, endocarditis, bone and joint infections, and meningitis.

Vancomycin Uses

Vancomycin is a drug that is used to treat severe bacterial infections. It is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial growth. This medication is typically administered via vein injection. However, the vial form can also be taken orally to treat a rare intestinal condition that can occur after antibiotic treatment. Diarrhea and stomach discomfort or pain are symptoms of this condition. When vancomycin is taken orally, it remains in the intestines to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause these symptoms. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not help with viral infections.

How to use

  • This medication is typically administered via injection as directed by your doctor. Each dose should be administered slowly over a period of at least one hour. The duration and dosage of your treatment are determined by your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.
  • If you are using this medication at home, make sure you understand usage instructions from your doctor. Before using, visually inspect this product for particles or discoloration. If either of these conditions exists, do not use the liquid. Learn how to safely store and dispose medical supplies.
  • If you are taking this medication orally, make sure to follow your doctor's instructions on how to take the mixed liquid. If taken orally, this medication must first be mixed with water.
  • Use this antibiotic at regularly spaced intervals for the best results. Use this medication at the same time daily.
  • Even if your symptoms go away after a few days, keep taking this medication until the full prescribed amount is gone.

Vancomycin Side effects:

  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Hives
  • Skin rash
  • Itching
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swallowing problems
  • Redness of the skin above the waist
  • Pain
  • Muscle tightness of the chest and back
  • Unusual bleeding
  • Easy bruising
  • Fainting
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears

The common side effects don’t need any medical attention and will disappear as your body gets adjusted to the dosage. But if you are facing any kind of serious or rare side effects then immediately seek medical attention.

Precautions

  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to vancomycin or if you have any other allergies before using it. Active components in this product may cause allergic reactions or other complications.
  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have kidney problems, hearing problems, or stomach, intestinal problems before taking this medication.
  • Vancomycin may impair the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine). Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, do not have any immunizations or vaccinations while taking this medication.
  • When this medication is injected too quickly, children may be at a higher risk of severe infusion reactions.
  • While taking this medication, older adults may be more prone to kidney and hearing problems.
  • This medication should not be used during pregnancy. Consult your doctor.
  • This medication is excreted in breast milk. Before breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.

Interactions

Drug interactions can change the way your medications function or put you at risk for serious side effects. Maintain a list of all the products you use and discuss it with your doctor. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications without first consulting your doctor.

Overdose

If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical advice immediately. Never take more doses than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.

Missed Dose

It is necessary to take each dose of this medication on time. If you forget a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to arrange for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Storage

The medicine should not come in direct contact with heat, air, light and may damage your medicines. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.

Vancomycin vs Clindamycin

Vancomycin

Clindamycin
Vancomycin is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Clindamycin belongs to a class of drugs known as lincomycin antibiotics. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is only available by prescription
Vancomycin is a drug that is used to treat severe bacterial infections. This medication is typically administered via vein injection. Clindamycin is used for treating bacterial infections that affect the lungs, skin, blood, female reproductive organs, and internal organs.
It is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial growth. It works by slowing or stopping bacterial growth.

Citations

Pharmacokinetics, uses, and limitations of vancomycin-loaded bone cement, ID:10.1007/s002640050235
Severe staphylococcal infections treated with vancomycin , ID:10.1093/jac/9.1.69

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Frequently Asked Questions

What infections is vancomycin used for?

Vancomycin is used to treat a Clostridium difficile infection of the intestines, which can cause watery or bloody diarrhea. This medication is also used for treating staph infections, which might lead to inflammation of the colon and small intestines.

Is vancomycin a powerful antibiotic?

Scientists have modified vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic, to make it even more effective against life-threatening bacterial infections. According to the researchers, the more potent compound has the potential to eliminate the threat of antibiotic resistance for many years to come.

What is IV vancomycin used for?

Vancomycin injection is used for the treatment of severe kinds of infections such as endocarditis, peritonitis, and infections of the lungs, skin, blood, and bones.

Can vancomycin damage the kidneys?

Vancomycin taken in large doses and the wrong dosage can cause kidney problems such as acute kidney injury.

What bacteria does vancomycin kill?

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that is effective against the majority of Gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Bacillus species.

How long can you stay on vancomycin?

Generally, 8 weeks is considered the usual duration of therapy for deep-seated infections such as bacterial endocarditis or osteomyelitis.

What does vancomycin do to the kidneys?

It has also been shown that the drug interferes with the normal reabsorption function of the proximal renal tubule epithelium and alters mitochondrial function in these cells. Vancomycin-induced renal toxicity is most likely caused by a combination of these oxidative effects and allergic interstitial nephritis.

Can vancomycin cause liver damage?

Vancomycin therapy has been linked to numerous cases of hypersensitivity, including fever, rash, and eosinophilia, which can be associated with mild hepatic injury, but only rarely with severe or life-threatening liver injury.

Can I take vancomycin every 4 hours?

Take one pill four times a day. Distribute and schedule the doses out evenly throughout the day. Continue taking the capsules until the course is completed (unless your doctor tells you to stop sooner).

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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