Vancomycin Tab, Vancomycin Hydrochloride Sodium Chloride
Vancomycin (van koe MYE sin) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections. Vancomycin belongs to a group of antibiotic drugs called glycopeptide antibiotics.
Vancomycin (van koe MYE sin) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections. Vancomycin belongs to a group of antibiotic drugs called glycopeptide antibiotics.
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Purva Singla, PharmD
Updated on August 28, 2023
Vancomycin (van koe MYE sin) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections. Vancomycin belongs to a group of antibiotic drugs called glycopeptide antibiotics.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved vancomycin to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. These bacteria include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff).
Vancomycin may be prescribed for people who are allergic to certain other antibiotics. It’s also used when an infection is caused by bacteria that don’t respond to commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Vancomycin may be used to treat infections that occur in the following areas of the body:
These approved uses differ based on the form of vancomycin your doctor prescribes.
Boxed warning: Risk of fetal harm with a certain formulation of vancomycin injection
A certain formulation of vancomycin injection has a boxed warning about the risk of fetal harm. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for vancomycin” section.
Side effects
Side effects of vancomycin
Vancomycin may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of vancomycin and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about vancomycin’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for vancomycin listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of vancomycin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form your doctor prescribes.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about vancomycin’s side effects based on its form, refer to the prescribing information for that form listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
If you receive vancomycin injection, mild side effects include:
- vancomycin flushing syndrome
- dizziness
- temporary hearing problems, such as ringing in the ears
- muscle pain
- mild allergic reaction*
If you take vancomycin as an oral capsule, mild side effects include:
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for vancomycin” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of vancomycin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of vancomycin you receive.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about vancomycin’s side effects based on its form, refer to the prescribing information for that form listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from vancomycin, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, vancomycin’s serious side effects include:
- low blood level of potassium
- ear damage and hearing loss
- kidney problems, such as kidney failure
- severe skin rashes, mouth sores, and blisters
- depression
- severe allergic reaction*
Some side effects have only been reported in people who receive vancomycin injection. These include:
- low level of neutrophils, a type of infection-fighting blood cell
- boxed warning: risk of fetal harm*
- severe infusion† reaction, which can progress to anaphylactic shock*
* For details about these risks, see the “Interactions and warnings for vancomycin” section.
† Vancomycin injection is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. An IV infusion is an injection given into your vein over time.
FAQs
Common questions about vancomycin
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about vancomycin.
What is vancomycin’s mechanism of action? How does the drug work?
Vancomycin stops bacteria from forming strong cell walls when they multiply (grow in number). Without a proper cell wall, bacteria die.
If you receive vancomycin as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection given into your vein over time), it begins working immediately. Depending on where the infection is, you may notice a reduction in your symptoms within 24 hours.
If you take vancomycin by mouth, it generally takes a little longer to work. For example, after starting oral vancomycin for a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, it may take a few days to start to feel better and 7–10 days for diarrhea to improve.
If you’d like to know more about vancomycin’s mechanism of action or how long it takes to work, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Are there brand names available for vancomycin?
Vancomycin is a generic medication. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
Only one brand-name version of vancomycin is currently available. Vancomycin oral solution is available as the brand-name drug Firvanq. In the past, brand-name versions of the drug included Vancoled, Vancocin, and Vancor. But drugmakers no longer make these three products.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about vancomycin or brand-name medications.
Uses
Uses of vancomycin
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as vancomycin for certain conditions. Approved uses for vancomycin are described below. These uses differ based on the form of vancomycin prescribed.
Use for bacterial infections
Doctors may recommend that you receive vancomycin injection to treat an infection caused by certain bacteria. Vancomycin injection is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection given into your vein over time). It may be given to adults and children of all ages. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved vancomycin injection to treat the following infections:
- infection of the bloodstream
- infection of the inner lining of the heart
- skin infection
- bone infection
- lung infection
Vancomycin injection may be prescribed for people who are allergic to certain antibiotics. It may also be used when an infection is caused by bacteria that don’t respond to commonly prescribed antibiotics, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Use for bacterial infections of the digestive tract
Doctors may prescribe one of the oral forms of vancomycin for treating certain bacterial infections of the digestive tract. (The oral forms of vancomycin only work in the digestive tract.) The capsule and liquid solution can be used for this purpose in adults and children of all ages. They’re usually prescribed as short-term treatments.
Specifically, the FDA has approved vancomycin oral forms to treat:
- diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)
- infection of the small intestine or colon caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for vancomycin
Below, you’ll find information about vancomycin’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of vancomycin
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take vancomycin, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for vancomycin” section below.
Warnings for vancomycin
Some people should not take vancomycin, and others should take it cautiously.
Boxed warning: Risk of fetal harm with a certain formulation of vancomycin injection
A certain formulation of vancomycin injection has a boxed warning about the risk of fetal harm. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
To learn more about this risk, see the “Pregnancy or breastfeeding and vancomycin” section below.
Other warnings
Vancomycin could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether vancomycin is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of vancomycin you take.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for vancomycin, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Vancomycin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to vancomycin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe vancomycin. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
- low blood pressure, which can cause a weak pulse, dizziness, and nausea
If you have an allergic reaction to vancomycin, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of vancomycin
If you take vancomycin by mouth, you should not take more vancomycin than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much vancomycin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and vancomycin
Information about vancomycin and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Vancomycin and pregnancy
In general, vancomycin is considered safe to take during pregnancy. However, a certain formulation of vancomycin injection should not be used during pregnancy.
Boxed warning: Risk of fetal harm with a certain formulation of vancomycin injection
One formulation of vancomycin injection has a boxed warning about the risk of fetal harm. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This formulation of vancomycin injection contains the inactive ingredients polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) and N-acetyl D-alanine (NADA). These ingredients may cause harm to a developing fetus during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
In animal studies, exposure to these specific ingredients caused congenital anomalies (commonly called birth defects). But animal studies don’t always reflect what will happen in humans. It’s not known whether these ingredients cause harm in humans.
If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, tell your doctor. To be safe, they’ll recommend a specific formulation of vancomycin for you that’s free of PEG 400 and NADA.
To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Vancomycin and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether vancomycin should be taken or used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before starting this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about vancomycin or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Are there alternative medications that could treat my infection?
- How many days will I need to take vancomycin?
- What are my options if I can’t afford vancomycin?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Vancomycin hydrochloride capsule. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/ab658fbd-68ea-4275-84b1-c3361c860bd3/spl-doc
- Vancomycin hydrochloride injection, powder, lyophilized for solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/b62b7190-48e8-4596-a6ad-9ad455e5c8c6/spl-doc
- Vancomycin hydrochloride solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/3c47d5c4-8cdb-4701-8d7a-8a6e79025b53/spl-doc
- Vancomycin injection, solution. (2021). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/spl/data/e49b6589-caca-4c8f-8c57-55a1ee7774cc/e49b6589-caca-4c8f-8c57-55a1ee7774cc.xml
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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