Vancomycin (injection)

Vancomycin is an antibiotic that treats or prevents various bacterial infections, including infections in the lungs, bones, skin, and other serious infections of the heart or blood. Vancomycin may be used when other antibiotics do not work against the infections.

Vancomycin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not use vancomycin if you are allergic to it. You should also not use certain forms of vancomycin if you are allergic to polysorbate 80, corn, or corn products.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• congestive heart failure;
• if you are dehydrated;
• if you are on a low-salt diet;
• hearing problems; or
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

It is not known if vancomycin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor may choose a different brand, strength, or form of vancomycin during pregnancy.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you experience a serious drug reaction that can affect multiple parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Some side effects may happen during or after the injection. Inform your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseous, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.

Call your doctor immediately if you also have:

• itching and flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling) especially in your face, neck, and upper body;
• pain and muscle spasms in your chest or back;
• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given;
• loss of balance or coordination;
• hearing loss, ringing in your ears, vertigo (spinning sensation), dizziness;
• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
• kidney problems--pain in your side or lower back, painful urination, blood or pus in your urine, swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath.

Your treatment may be delayed or stopped permanently if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of vancomycin may include:

• kidney problems;
• low white blood cell counts;
• hearing problems; or
• symptoms including severe allergic reactions that occur during or after the infusion.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Vancomycin must be given slowly as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider may give you this injection or may teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself. Your doctor will determine the right treatment schedule for you.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Be sure you understand how to properly mix this medicine with a liquid (diluent) and how to store the mixture.

Doses can be based on weight. The dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your blood, hearing and kidney function may need to be tested often.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Vancomycin will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

Depending on the severity of the infection, vancomycin is usually given for as long as needed after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Sometimes, vancomycin needs to be stored in the refrigerator, and other times, it can be stored at room temperature. Follow all storage instructions provided with vancomycin. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Vancomycin can damage your kidneys or cause hearing loss, especially if you are also taking certain other medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Inform your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• intravenous antibiotics like piperacillin and tazobactam; or
• medicines used for anesthesia.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may impact vancomycin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all potential drug interactions are included here.