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Printable Version Vancocin

Active Ingredients: Vancomycin
Other Names: Vancocin, Vancomycin Hydrochloride Injection
Drug Class: Vancomycin
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Vancocin?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Vancocin? (Back to top)
VANCOMYCIN is an antibiotic. It kills or stops the growth of some bacteria. This medicine is used to treat bacterial infections of the blood, bone, heart, lung, and skin. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • dehydration
  • hearing loss
  • kidney disease
  • other chronic illness
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to vancomycin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is infused into a vein. It is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

If you receive this medicine at home, you will receive special instructions. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for even very young infants for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

  • amphoteracin B
  • anesthetics
  • bacitracin
  • cisplatin
  • colistin
  • diuretics
  • other aminoglycoside antibiotics
  • polymyxin B

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • breathing difficulty, wheezing
  • change in amount, color of urine
  • change in hearing
  • chest pain
  • dizziness
  • fever, chills
  • flushing of the face and neck (reddening)
  • low blood pressure
  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • nausea, vomiting
  • pain, swelling where injected
  • stomach cramps

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms. Your condition and lab work will be monitored while you are taking this medicine.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

You will be instructed on how to store this medicine, if needed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:November 27, 2007

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Vancocin

  Learn how Vancocin is/are used to treat:
  • Cystic Fibrosis

      Test Yourself! If you currently take Vancocin, do you know everything that you need to know?

      Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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