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Vancomycin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 30, 2023.

Applies to vancomycin: oral capsule, oral powder for solution, oral powder for suspension.

Other dosage forms:

Serious side effects of vancomycin

Along with its needed effects, vancomycin 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking vancomycin:

More common side effects

  • bladder pain
  • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • decreased urine
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • dry mouth
  • fever
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • increased thirst
  • irregular heartbeat
  • loss of appetite
  • lower back or side pain
  • mood changes
  • muscle pain or cramps
  • nausea
  • numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
  • seizures
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • unusual weight gain or loss
  • vomiting

Less common side effects

  • change in the frequency of urination or amount of urine
  • drowsiness
  • trouble breathing
  • weakness

Rare side effects

  • hives, skin rash
  • redness or other discoloration of the skin
  • scaling or welting of the skin

Incidence not known

  • black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • blurred vision
  • chest pain or tightness
  • chills
  • confusion
  • continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
  • cough
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • fast heartbeat
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • feeling of fullness in the ears
  • hearing loss
  • itching
  • joint or muscle pain
  • loss of balance
  • lower back or side pain
  • pale skin
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • 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
  • ringing or buzzing in the ears
  • sensation of spinning
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
  • sweating
  • swollen glands
  • unusual bleeding or bruising

Other side effects of vancomycin

Some side effects of vancomycin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • back pain
  • bitter or unpleasant taste
  • excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
  • headache
  • mouth irritation
  • passing gas
  • stomach pain

Incidence not known

  • depression
  • difficulty having a bowel movement
  • trouble sleeping

For healthcare professionals

Applies to vancomycin: compounding powder, intravenous powder for injection, intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution, oral solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, and hypokalemia.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Chemical peritonitis occurred with intraperitoneal administration.

Mild gastrointestinal tract disturbances occurred with oral administration.[Ref]

Metabolic

Dermatologic

Cardiovascular

Hypotension, bradycardia, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac arrest have occurred with rapid bolus administration.[Ref]

Renal

Renal failure was most commonly characterized by increased serum creatinine levels or BUN concentrations.

Azotemia usually resolved upon discontinuation of treatment.[Ref]

Other

Respiratory

Musculoskeletal

Nervous system

Genitourinary

Hematologic

Hypersensitivity

Immunologic

Local

Ocular

HORV occurred in patients given this drug via intracameral or intravitreal route during/after cataract surgery.[Ref]

Psychiatric

Hepatic

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Vancocin (vancomycin)." Lilly, Eli and Company

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

4. Infectious Diseases Society of America (2021) Position on Terminology for Vancomycin Flushing Reactions. https://www.hivma.org/globalassets/idsa/public-health/covid-19/vanc-flushing-syndrome-idsa-position-statement.pdf

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Vancomycin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.