Vancomycin

Molecule Description

Vancomycin is an antibacterial medication used to treat particular complicated

life threatening infections caused due to antibiotic resistant bacteria. Vancomycin belongs to a class of medicines called ‘glycopeptide antibiotics’ and is strictly to be taken under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Vancomycin

For the treatment and prevention of severe infections caused by gram-positive bacteria (that are sensitive to Vancomycin)
Infection of inner lining of the heart (Endocarditis)
Infection of the bones (Osteomyelitis)
Pneumonia (a type of lung infection)
Soft-tissue infections (abscess, ulcers, cellulitis, etc.)
Inflammation of intestines and colon caused by staphylococcus aureus
Any severe infections caused by gram-positive bacteria that are not responding to other antibiotics (Penicillins, Cephalosporins, etc.)
Other severe infections by staphylococci
Diarrhea caused by clostridium species (taken orally)
Vancomycin is available as a powder which has to be mixed with sterile and taken as infusion (intravenously) and also as capsules
In some infections like those caused by clostridium (diarrhea), the powder mixed water can be taken orally
Vancomycin should be reserved for complicated and resistant bacterial infections not responding to regular antibiotics

Contraindications of Vancomycin

When should one not use Vancomycin

Do not take if you are intolerant to Vancomycin or any of its ingredients.

Side effects of Vancomycin

Common side effects of this drug are:

Low blood pressure
Breathlessness, forced breathing producing sounds
Rashes of skin and the mouth, itching, hives on the skin
Kidney disease
Rashes on face, neck and torso (red man’s syndrome)
Hearing loss - temporary or permanent (not very common)
Decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets (blood cells responsible for blood clotting)
Loss of balance (vertigo), ringing in your ears (tinnitus), dizziness
Blood vessel inflammation
Nausea (feeling sick)
Kidney failure (rare)
Chest pain and back pain (rare)

Precautions and Warnings of Vancomycin

Pregnancy

Can I take Vancomycin during pregnancy?

Vancomycin crosses the placenta and enters the unborn baby and may cause harmful effects, but it is not known to produce any birth defects. However, as Vancomycin is a lifesaving medicine and hence is used during pregnancy if it is necessary. Please consult your doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Vancomycin while breastfeeding?

Vancomycin is secreted in breast milk and breastfeeding has to be discontinued while using this medicine to prevent any harm to the baby.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Vancomycin?

Though Vancomycin does not affect your driving ability, it is usually administered in severe infection and hence driving may not be necessary.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Vancomycin?

Alcohol can cause side effects similar to those of Vancomycin, such as stomach upset, dizziness and drowsiness.Thus, it is better to avoid it to reduce the intensity of side effects.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have a history of allergic reaction of Teicoplanin (another antibiotic)
You have any hearing problems
You have a kidney problem
You have been receiving Vancomycin for a long time
You develop any skin reactions
You develop severe or prolonged diarrhea (during or after treatment) to rule out any lower intestine damage (pseudomembranous colitis) due to usage of antibiotics

Mode of Action of Vancomycin

How Does It Work?

Vancomycin is a high-level antibiotic that kills the bacteria by blocking its cell wall synthesis. Without a cell wall, all bacteria die. It is active against only specific bacteria, but not all. It i...

Interactions of Vancomycin

Interactions with other medicines

Other antibiotics (Streptomycin, Gentamicin, Neomycin, Kanamycin, Amikacin, Tobramycin, Bacitracin, Colistin, Polymyxin B)
Viomycin (used to treat tuberculosis)
Amphotericin B (used to treat fungal infections)
Cisplatin (used to treat cancer)
Medicines given during anesthesia for muscle relaxation (Suxamethonium or Vecuronium)
General anesthesia may enhance the adverse effects of Vancomycin

Interactions with food items

Vancomycin does not interact with food and can be taken before or after meals.

Dosage of Vancomycin

Overdose

Inform your doctor immediately in case of overdose. High doses can cause kidney and hearing problems. Treatment is based on the symptoms and medical attention may be necessary.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose & do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mahesh Muthe

MBBS

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the precautions I should take while on Vancomycin?

A: The dosage regimen of the medicine should be followed regularly. The course of medicine should be completed as prescribed. Stopping the medication abruptly may cause drug-resistant infection.

Q: What is pseudomembranous colitis?

A: When antibiotics are used frequently or for a more extended period, they result in the growth of a type of bacteria called clostridium difficile in the lower part of the intestine, which causes diarrhea. Oral Vancomycin is effective against clostridium associated diarrhea.

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.