Vancomycin capsules

What is this medicine?

VANCOMYCIN (van koe MYE sin) is a glycopeptide antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections in the bowel. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing difficulty

• change in amount, color of urine

• change in hearing

• dizziness

• fever, infection

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach cramps

What may interact with this medicine?

• birth control pills

• cholestyramine

• colestipol

• vancomycin injection

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bowel, intestines, stomach disease

• kidney disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to vancomycin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms.

Avoid taking this medicine within 3 or 4 hours of taking cholestyramine or colestipol.