Vancomycin Intravenous: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Vancomycin is used to treat serious bacterial infections. It is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

How to use Vancomycin HCL Vial

This medication is usually given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor. Each dose should be injected slowly over at least 1 hour. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, labs, weight, and response to treatment.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

If you are using the frozen mixed liquid, thaw the medication at room temperature or in the refrigerator before using. Do not thaw by putting in a water bath or microwave. After thawing, shake well and squeeze the container to check for leaks. Discard the solution if the container leaks. Do not freeze it again after thawing.

Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug if this drug is injected too fast. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as flushing of the upper body, dizziness, or muscle pain/spasms of the chest and back. Your doctor may slow down or stop your treatment for some time.

For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same times every day.

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 result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

Precautions

Before using vancomycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, hearing problems, stomach/intestinal problems.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Some brands of this medication contain sodium. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if you have a condition that could be worsened by an increase in salt intake (such as heart failure).

Vancomycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using vancomycin before having any immunizations/vaccinations.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Children may be at greater risk for infusion reactions, especially when this medication is injected too fast.

Older adults may be at greater risk for kidney and hearing problems while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is: cidofovir.

Does Vancomycin HCL Vial interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, vancomycin blood levels, blood cultures, complete blood counts, hearing tests) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Missed Dose

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Consult the product instructions or your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.