Vancomycin - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Vancomycin is an antibiotic to treat severe bacterial infections that cannot be controlled by other antibiotics or that occur in patients with an allergy to penicillin

Vancomycin can be used to treat infections of the heart, skin, bones, and lungs. These antibiotics are usually given by doctors to treat severe infections, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections or infections that cause sepsis.

Vancomycin works by killing and preventing the growth of infection-causing bacteria. Please note, this drug cannot be used to treat viral infections, such as the flu.

Vancomycin Trademark: Vancep, Vancodex, Vancomycin Hydrochloride

What is Vancomycin

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Antibiotics
Benefits	Treating severe bacterial infections (sepsis or MRSA) that other antibiotics cannot treat.
Used by	Adults and children
Vancomycin for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Vancomycin can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without telling your doctor.
Medicine form	Inject

Warning Before Using Vancomycin

Before using vancomycin, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Do not use vancomycin if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have, especially allergies to products made from corn.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or hearing loss.
• Do not immediately drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after you get vancomycin, because this drug can cause dizziness.
• Tell your doctor if you plan to immunize or vaccinate while on treatment with vancomycin.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking vancomycin before any surgery, including dental surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Use effective contraception during treatment with vancomycin.
• See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking vancomycin.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Vancomycin

Vancomycin will be given by infusion by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The dose and duration of drug administration are adjusted to the patient's condition, weight, and response to treatment. The following are common doses of vancomycin:

• Adults: 500 mg every 6 hours, or 1 g every 12 hours.
• Children aged 1 month: 10 mg/kg every 6 hours.

How to Use Vancomycin Correctly

Vancomycin is available as an injectable liquid that is given by slow drip (approximately 1 hour). This medicine will be given directly by a doctor or by a medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

During treatment with vancomycin, your doctor may ask you to do regular kidney function tests, liver function tests, or blood tests to monitor your body's response to the drug.

In addition, the doctor may order a hearing test because vancomycin can cause side effects in the form of hearing loss.

Interaction of Vancomycin with Other Drugs

The following are the possible interactions of vancomycin with certain drugs:

• Increased risk of hearing loss or impaired renal function when used with aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, bacitracin, polymyxin B, viomycin, cisplatin, loop diuretics or NSAIDs
• Increasing the effectiveness of muscle relaxants, such as suxamethonium or vecuronium
• Increased risk of side effects from anesthetics

Side Effects and Dangers of Vancomycin

Side effects that can occur after using vancomycin are:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Heat feeling in upper body
• Dizzy
• Muscle pain or cramps in chest or back

Consult a doctor if these side effects do not subside or are getting worse. See a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:

• Swelling of the eyes, face, throat, tongue, or lips
• Dizziness or feeling like passing out
• Diarrhea or bloody stools
• Pain or tightness in the back or chest
• ringing in the ears or hearing loss
• The amount of urine is little or infrequent urination