Vancomycin

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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

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

When should one not use Vancomycin

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

Side effects

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

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

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

Driving

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

Alcohol

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

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 is not active against bacterias that can cause TB, fungi, or viruses.

Interactions

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

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.

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