Vancomycin
Brand names
- PMS-Vancomycin
- Vancocin
- Vancoled
- Vancor
Usage
To treat severe bacterial infections such as
colitis (infection and inflammation of
the colon); also used prior to surgical or dental procedures to prevent heart
valve infection in susceptible patients who are
allergic to penicillin.
How it works
Vancomycin kills and inhibits
the growth of
bacteria by
interrupting their formation
of cell walls.
Side effects
- Serious
- Skin rash (with oral forms); change in the frequency or
amount of urination; breathing difficulty; drowsiness;
unusual thirst; loss of appetite; weakness; hearing loss;
ringing or buzzing in ears; chills or
fever; fast heartbeat;
fainting;
nausea or vomiting;
itching; redness of face, neck,
upper back, and arms; tingling; unpleasant
taste.
- Common
- Bitter or unpleasant taste, mouth irritation, redness at
injection site.
- Less common
- None.
Possible interactions
- Other medicaments:
The following medicaments may decrease the effects of vancomycin:
Vancomycin taken concurrently with:
- aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin or
tobramycin, may cause additive toxicity risk to the ears and kidneys.
- cyclosporine (Sandimmune) may result in increased toxicity risk.
- metformin (Glucophage) or other cationic
medicaments poses an increased risk of
lactic acidosis.
- other medicines that cause kidney toxicity may pose an additive toxicity risk.
- succinylcholine (Anectine) can lead to extended neuromuscular blockade
requiring neostigmine use.
- warfarin (Coumadin) may cause increased
bleeding risk; increased INR
(prothrombin time or protime) testing is needed.
- Herbal medicines or minerals:
- Some patients use Echinacea to attempt to boost
their immune systems. Use of
Echinacea is not recommended
in people with damaged immune systems. This herb may also actually
weaken any immune system if it is used too often or for too long a time.
- Alcohol:
- Use sparingly; alcohol may aggravate colitis.
- Special storage instructions:
- Refrigerate the oral solution.
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