Vancocin

Generic name: Vancomycin Capsules
Drug class: Glycopeptide antibiotics

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is Vancocin?

Vancocin is a prescription medicine that is used to treat diarrhea caused by a bacterial infection called C diff. It is used to treat a type of bowel infection.

Description

VANCOCIN capsules for oral administration contain chromatographically purified vancomycin hydrochloride, a tricyclic glycopeptide antibiotic derived from Amycolatopsis orientalis (formerly Nocardia orientalis), which has the chemical formula C66H75Cl2N9O24•HCl. The molecular weight of vancomycin hydrochloride is 1485.73; 500 mg of the base is equivalent to 0.34 mmol.

Each capsule contains 125 mg vancomycin (equivalent to 128 mg vancomycin hydrochloride) or 250 mg vancomycin (equivalent to 256 mg vancomycin hydrochloride). The capsules also contain FD&C Blue No. 2, gelatin, iron oxide, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and other inactive ingredients.

Vancomycin hydrochloride has the structural formula:

Before taking Vancocin, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to Vancocin; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Vancocin with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Vancocin?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Vancocin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Kidney problems like kidney failure have happened with Vancocin. Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney problems.
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
You may need to have hearing tests while you use Vancocin. Talk with the doctor.
Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
If you are 65 or older, use Vancocin with care. You could have more side effects.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is Vancocin best taken?

Use Vancocin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Take with or without food.
Keep taking Vancocin as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Vancocin that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
Swelling in the arms or legs.
Flushing.
Pain when passing urine.
This medicine may cause hearing loss that may not go away. The chance may be higher if you use Vancocin for a long time. Do not use Vancocin longer than you have been told by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have a change in hearing or hearing loss.

What are some other side effects of Vancocin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Upset stomach or throwing up.
Stomach pain or diarrhea.
Gas.
Feeling tired or weak.
Back pain.
Headache.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Vancocin?

Store at room temperature.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.