Vancocin HCl (Intravenous)

Vancomycin injection is used to treat infections in various parts of the body. It is also used for patients with heart valve disease (for example, rheumatic fever) or artificial heart valves who are allergic to penicillin. In certain situations, vancomycin is given with other medicines to prevent endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart) in patients undergoing dental work or surgery on the upper respiratory tract (for example, nose or throat).

Vancomycin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or stopping their growth. Vancomycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Vancomycin injection is also used to treat serious infections when other medicines may not be effective. However, this medicine can cause serious side effects, including damage to your hearing and kidneys. These side effects may be more likely in elderly patients. You and your doctor should discuss the benefits of this medicine and the risks associated with using it.

Vancomycin is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Your doctor will closely monitor your or your child's progress while receiving this medicine. This will help your doctor determine if the medicine is effective and if treatment should continue. Blood tests may be needed to check for side effects.

This medicine can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction known as an infusion reaction. This reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Inform your doctor immediately if you or your child experience a cough, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing, chest tightness, swelling in the face or hands, fever, chills, itching or hives, or lightheadedness or faintness while receiving this medicine.

Notify your doctor right away if you or your child experience confusion, dizziness, headache, reduced urination, rapid weight gain, or swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet after receiving this medicine. These may indicate a serious kidney issue.

Hearing loss is a possible side effect while receiving this medicine. Inform your doctor if you or your child notice ringing or buzzing in the ears, dizziness, a feeling of fullness in the ears, or loss of balance after receiving this medicine.

This medicine may cause diarrhea, which can sometimes be severe. Diarrhea may occur 2 months or more after stopping the medicine. Do not take any medications to treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor first. If you have questions or if mild diarrhea persists or worsens, contact your doctor.

This medicine can temporarily reduce the number of white blood cells in your blood, which increases the risk of infection. If possible, avoid contact with people who have infections. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect you have an infection or if you experience fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.

This medicine may cause severe tenderness and pain at the injection site. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of the following side effects at the injection site: bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth.

Do not take other medicines unless you have discussed them with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks against the benefits. Here are some important points to think about for this medicine:

Allergies

Let your doctor know if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also inform your health care professional about any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Studies done so far have not shown any specific problems in children that would limit the use of vancomycin injection.

Geriatric

Studies done so far have not shown any specific problems in the elderly that would limit the use of vancomycin injection. However, older patients are more likely to have hearing, kidney, or heart issues, which may require caution and possibly a dose adjustment for patients using this medicine.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medicine during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together, while others may be used together even if an interaction could occur. In such cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is very important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below while receiving this medicine. The following interactions are based on their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some situations. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may modify the dose or frequency for one or both medicines.

• Amikacin
• Aspirin
• Cholera Vaccine, Live
• Gentamicin
• Piperacillin
• Tobramycin

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but taking both medicines may be the best treatment for you. If both are prescribed, your doctor may adjust the dose or how often you take one or both medicines.

• Succinylcholine
• Warfarin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around the time of eating or with certain foods due to possible interactions. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical issues may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Allergy to corn or corn products—Should not be used in patients with this condition.

• Congestive heart failure or
• Hearing loss or
• Kidney disease—Use with caution. May worsen side effects.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Black, tarry stools
• Bleeding gums
• Blood in the urine or stools
• Continuing ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained noise in the ears
• Cough or hoarseness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• Feeling of fullness in the ears
• Fever with or without chills
• General feeling of tiredness or weakness
• Hearing loss
• Loss of balance
• Lower back or side pain
• Painful or difficult urination
• Pale skin
• Pinpoint red spots on the skin
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears
• Sensation of spinning
• Sore throat
• Sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• Trouble in hearing
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• Abdominal or stomach cramps or tenderness
• Back pain
• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• Bloating
• Bluish color
• Blurred vision
• Change in frequency of urination or amount of urine
• Changes in skin color
• Chest pain
• Chest tightness
• Confusion
• Cracks in the skin
• Diarrhea, which may be watery and severe, and may also be bloody
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• Drowsiness
• Fast heartbeat
• Flushing
• Headache
• Hives, itching, or skin rash
• Increased thirst
• Joint or muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of heat from the body
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• Red, irritated eyes
• Red, swollen skin
• Redness, soreness, or itching of the skin
• Scaly skin
• Sores, welting, or blisters
• Sweating
• Swelling of the feet or lower legs
• Swollen glands
• Unusual weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Vancocin HCl
• Vancoled

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution
• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic

Chemical Class: Glycopeptide

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

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