What is the most important information I should know about vancomycin?
Before taking vancomycin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have
kidney disease, problems with your hearing, or a chronic intestinal condition such as
inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis.
Vancomycin can cause temporary or permanent
hearing loss. Stop taking this
medication and call your doctor at once if you have any
hearing problems or ringing in your ears.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your hearing will need to be
tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Vancomycin will not treat a
viral infection such as the
common cold or flu.
What is vancomycin?
Vancomycin is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.
Vancomycin is used to treat infections of the intestines that cause colitis (inflammation of
the large intestine).
Vancomycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vancomycin?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to vancomycin.
Before taking vancomycin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
vancomycin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Vancomycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take vancomycin?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Vancomycin can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. To be sure this medication
is not causing harmful effects, your hearing will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss
any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Take this medicine with a full
glass of
water.
Vancomycin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals.
Measure the liquid form of vancomycin with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a
regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Vancomycin will not treat a
viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Store vancomycin capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Store vancomycin oral liquid in the refrigerator, but do not allow it to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do
not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Symptoms of a vancomycin overdose are not known.
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