What is Vancomycin?
Vancomycin is an antibiotic that can be used to treat serious infections that are resistant to different antibiotics. Vancomycin can also be used to treat serious infections in people who are allergic to penicillin.Vancomycin can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Vancomycin
Contact emergency medical assistance. If you notice symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response (hives and breathing problems or swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever or burning eyes, sore throat, or skin pain), the skin is red or purple and blisters and peels.
Vancomycin can cause severe adverse reactions. Consult your physician immediately in the event of:
- Your body suddenly feels lightheaded, as though you might pass out.
- Itching, rash, wheezing, trouble breathing
- Discomfort or tightness in your chest or back;
- Flushing (warmth or redness) or a tingly sensation, particularly in your neck area;
- Extreme stomach pain; diarrhea that is bloody or watery;
- Burns, pain, or skin changes after the injection was given.
- Swollen gums, fever sores in the mouth that hurt, swelling of the mouth, pain during swallowing, skin sores, symptoms of cold and influenza manifestations, cough, difficulty breathing
- Hearing loss hearing loss, hearing loss, ringing in your ears,
- Symptoms of kidney problems: blood within your urine; minimal or no urination; fatigue; and rapid weight gain.
The kidneys are a target for kidney disease. Studies indicate that Alzheimer's is more prevalent among people over 60.
Common negative side effects of vancomycin include:
- Bruises or swellings where the medication was injected.
This list does not represent all possible side effects. Additional side effects could also occur; please consult with your physician regarding medical side effects and report any adverse reactions directly to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow the directions on the label of your medication and the package. Inform your health care providers about your medical issues, allergies, and the medicines you are taking.
Before you take this drug
Do not take this medication if you are averse to vancomycin.
Inform your physician immediately if you have ever experienced:
- An introduction to corn-based products
- Kidney disease;
- Hearing loss
- If you are on medication that is an IV (intravenous) antibiotic,
Inform your doctor if you are nursing or pregnant.
How to take Vancomycin?
Follow all instructions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medication exactly as prescribed.Vancomycin is administered as an infusion into veins for a minimum of 60 minutes. The healthcare provider will provide the first dose and guide you on how to utilize the drug on your own.Take note of and follow the instructions for use that come along with your medication. Don't use vancomycin if there is a problem understanding all the instructions to use it correctly.If you have any concerns, be sure to discuss them with both your pharmacist or doctor.
Only inject your medicine when you are ready. Don't mix vancomycin with any other injectable medicine within the same container or IV. Avoid using it when the medication appears cloudy or changes color. Contact your pharmacist to request the latest medication.Too fast of an injection of vancomycin may cause severe side effects. Consult your physician if you notice any pain, burning, or swelling around the IV needle after vancomycin has been administered.You'll need regular medical tests. Hearings may also have to be examined. If you are in need of surgery, inform your surgeon that you are currently taking this medication.
Make sure to take this medicine for the entire prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve quickly. Not taking your dose can increase the chance of developing an illness that is not able to be treated with treatment. Vancomycin cannot treat an infectious disease like influenza or a typical cold.Be sure to follow the storage instructions given with your prescription. The way you keep the medicine at home will depend on how the medication is mixed before receiving it. Storage could also be influenced by the container the medicine is delivered in.
If you keep vancomycin in the refrigerator, don't allow it to become frozen. Remove the medication from the refrigerator and allow it to be at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to injecting the dose.
If you get vancomycin in an ice-cold solution, keep the medication in the freezer. Then, let the medicine defrost in the fridge or in a room at a temperature of Don't thaw the medicine in the microwave or hot water. Do not freeze the medicine after it's been frozen.Vancomycin in a single-use container is only for one use. Dispose of it after just one time, even if there's a little medicine in it.Use a needle or the syringe only once and put them in the puncture proof "sharps" container. Be sure to follow the laws of your state or city on how to dispose of the container. Keep it out of reach of both pets and children.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose immediately after you recall. Do not take your missed dose if you are close to the time of the next dose. Do not take extra medication in an effort to compensate for missing doses.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
The use of antibiotics can trigger diarrhea, which could be an indication of a new infection. If you are experiencing diarrhea that is bloody or watery, contact your doctor. Don't take anti-diarrhea medication unless you are advised by your physician to.
Interaction with other drug
Vancomycin may affect your kidneys, especially when you are also taking certain medications to treat osteoporosis, cancer, infections, rejection of organ transplants, intestinal issues, high blood pressure, or arthritis pain (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).
Other drugs can interact with vancomycin, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medications you currently use as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.
