VANCOMYCIN HCL

Drug Name: VANCOMYCIN HCL

VANCOMYCIN HCL DESCRIPTION:
VANCOMYCIN - INJECTION (vank-oh-MY-sin)

COMMON VANCOMYCIN HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Lyphocin, Vancocin

VANCOMYCIN HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
VANCOMYCIN HCL may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Other side effects that have been reported with VANCOMYCIN HCL include headache, trouble sleeping, swollen tongue, ringing in the ears, tingling of the hands or feet, fever, vaginal itching and dizziness. Inform your doctor if these become bothersome. The site where the injection is given may be red and irritated for a few days. Notify your doctor if the irritation continues or becomes worse. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VANCOMYCIN HCL:
VANCOMYCIN HCL: VANCOMYCIN HCL is diluted in fluid and injected slowly into a vein over a 1 to 2 hour period. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night as prescribed. Continue to use VANCOMYCIN HCL until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

VANCOMYCIN HCL USES:
VANCOMYCIN HCL is an antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections.

VANCOMYCIN HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: kidney problems, hearing problems, severe diarrhea, any allergies. Vancomycin should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Vancomycin is excreted into breast milk. Because the effects on a nursing infant are unknown, consult your doctor before you breast-feed.

VANCOMYCIN HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially: aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, neomycin), amphotericin B, other antibiotics, live vaccines. If you will be undergoing treatment requiring anesthesia, tell the doctor/dentist you have been using vancomycin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

VANCOMYCIN HCL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

VANCOMYCIN HCL NOTES:
Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

MISSED VANCOMYCIN HCL DOSE:
Use any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

VANCOMYCIN HCL STORAGE:
Store dry powder vials at room temperature.