Vancomycin oral solution
To return to the main entry click here.
What is vancomycin oral solution?
VANCOMYCIN (Vancocin®) is an antibiotic. Absorption of vancomycin from the stomach is poor. Taken by mouth, it only works in the treatment of bacterial infections of the intestines (pseudomembranous colitis). Generic vancomycin oral solution is not available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• dehydration
• inflammatory bowel disease
• 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 take this medicine?
Take vancomycin oral solution by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.
What drug(s) may interact with vancomycin?
• cholestyramine
• colestipol
Taking these medicines at the same time as vancomycin may stop either medicine working properly. If your prescriber or health care professional also prescribes cholestyramine or colestipol, leave an interval of at least 3 or 4 hours before you take vancomycin.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking vancomycin?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days.
Call your prescriber or health care professional if you get diarrhea. Do not treat yourself. Some diarrhea medicine will make your diarrhea worse.
What side effects may I notice from taking vancomycin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• skin rash
If you take vancomycin by mouth, other serious side effects are rare. Call your prescriber or health care professional if notice any other unusual symptoms.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• nausea, vomiting
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store the dry powder at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). After the powder is dissolved, store the oral solution in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) for up to fourteen days.Throw away any unused portion.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
