Generic name: vancomycin (injection) [ VAN-koe-MYE-sin ]
Dosage forms: intravenous powder for injection (1 g; 1.25 g; 1.5 g; 1.75 g; 10 g; 2 g; 5 g; 500 mg; 750 mg), ... show all 2 dosage forms intravenous solution (1 g/200 mL; 1 g/200 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 1 g/250 mL-D5%; 1 g/250 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 1.25 g/250 mL; 1.25 g/250 mL-D5%; 1.25 g/250 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 1.5 g/250 mL-D5%; 1.5 g/250 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 1.5 g/300 mL; 1.5 g/300 mL-D5%; 1.5 g/300 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 1.5 g/500 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 1.75 g/250 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 1.75 g/350 mL; 100 mg/mL; 2 g/400 mL; 2 g/500 mL- NaCl 0.9%; 5%-1 g/200 mL; 5%-500 mg/100 mL; 500 mg/100 mL; 500 mg/100 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 750 mg/150 mL; 750 mg/150 mL-D5%; 750 mg/150 mL-NaCl 0.9%)
Drug class: Glycopeptide antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 17, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is vancomycin?

Vancomycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat or prevent different types of bacterial infections, such as lung, bone and skin infections, and other severe infections of the heart or blood. Vancomycin may be given when infections are resistant to other antibiotics.

Vancomycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Vancomycin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult 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 have a serious drug reaction that can affect many 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 occur during or right after the injection. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.

Call your doctor at once if you also have:

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling) especially in your neck;

• 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 permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of vancomycin may include:

• kidney problems;

• low white blood cell counts;

• hearing problems; or

• severe allergic reactions during or after the infusion, flushing.

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

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

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.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not use certain forms of vancomycin during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test.

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

How should I use vancomycin?

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while using vancomycin?

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

What other drugs will affect vancomycin?

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

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• other intravenous medicines such as piperacillin and tazobactam, or medicine used for anesthesia.

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

Frequently asked questions

• Can you drink alcohol while taking vancomycin?
• What is the difference between Firvanq and the CutisPharma FIRST-Vancomycin Compounding Kit?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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