Indications
Vancocin is a prescription drug used to treat various bacterial infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). It contains an active ingredient called Vancomycin. Vancomycin is in a class of medications called glycopeptide antibiotics. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, preventing them from forming cell walls.
Vancomycin can be used to treat Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections as well as Staphylococcus aureus ("Staph") infections of the intestines or colon. Additionally, it can be used to treat other infections caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococci, enterococci, or diphtheroids, but in the injection form only. It should only be used to treat bacterial infections and not viral infections.
Uses and Dosage
Vancomycin comes in capsule form to be taken orally. The usual dosage is 3-4 times per day for 7-10 days. To make sure you take the medication consistently, try to take it at the same time every day. You should carefully follow the prescription label directions and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Do not alter the dosage, frequency, or duration of vancomycin without your doctor's approval.
You should start to feel better in the first few days of taking vancomycin. If you do not experience any improvements, or if your symptoms get worse, you should contact your doctor. Complete the entire course of treatment, even if you feel better. Stopping vancomycin too soon, or missing doses, may not completely cure your infection, and it increases the risk of antibiotic resistance.
The recommended dosages of vancomycin can vary depending on the condition being treated, the age of the patient, and their weight.
- For adults, vancomycin dosages can range from 500 to 2000 mg per day, divided into 3 or 4 smaller doses for 7 to 10 days to treat staph intestinal infection.
- For C. difficile diarrhea, the recommended dosage is 125 mg taken 4 times a day for 10 days.
- In children under 18 years old, the recommended dosage is 40 mg/kg per day, divided into 3 or 4 smaller doses for 7 to 10 days, with a maximum single-day dose of 2,000 mg.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Vancocin (Vancomycin):
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Feeling gassy
- Fever
- Headache
- Kidney damage
- Low blood potassium levels
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Swelling in the arms or legs
- Tired feeling
- Urinary tract infection
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Vancocin (Vancomycin):
- Decreased urination
- Swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Dizziness
- Hives
- Itching
- Reduced number of platelets in the blood
- Pain and muscle tightness of the chest and back
- Rash
- Redness of the skin above the waist
- Ringing in the ears
- Sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
- Sores or blisters in/on mouth, tongue, or lips
- Spinning sensation
- Temporary flushing of the upper body
Form and Strength
Vancocin (Vancomycin) is available in the following forms and strength:
Vancocin: Capsule
- 250 mg
Vancomycin: Capsule
- 125 mg
- 250 mg
Caution
- Vancomycin (Vancocin) can lower the number of white blood cells in your body. These are the cells that fight off infections, and without the right amount, you can get sick easier and have a harder time getting better.
- Pre-existing kidney disease or impairment, as vancomycin can further damage the kidneys.
- Do not use this medication longer than prescribed. Let your provider know if you notice symptoms of a new infection or if the original symptoms do not get any better after using vancomycin (Vancocin).
- Use with caution in elderly patients or those with a history of hearing loss, as these populations may be more susceptible to side effects.
- Close monitoring of vancomycin levels is necessary to avoid toxicity and ensure therapeutic levels are achieved.
- Use caution when co-administering other nephrotoxic drugs with vancomycin, as this may increase the risk of kidney damage.
- Use with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, as vancomycin may cause or worsen C. difficile infections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Vancomycin safe during pregnancy?
Vancomycin is considered safe during pregnancy, although the risks and benefits should be carefully considered by a healthcare provider.
Does Vancomycin interact with other medications?
Yes, Vancomycin can interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.
How long does vancomycin stay in your system?
The half-life of vancomycin is typically around 6 hours, meaning that it takes approximately 6 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body.
Resources
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604038.html
- https://www.goodrx.com/vancomycin/what-is#basics
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vancomycin-intravenous-route/description/drg-20068900
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/050606s028lbl.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9593-7154/vancocin-oral/vancomycin-solution-oral/details
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