Brand Name

Vancocin {Viro Pharma}

Generic Name

vancomycin, pronounced VAN koe MYE sin

---

Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Vancocin?

Vancocin is an antibiotic prescribed to treat bacteria in the body which can cause serious infections. Vancocin will not treat a viral infection. Your doctor will determine if your symptoms are caused by a bacteria or by a virus. Vancocin can be used to treat infections of the intestines that cause an inflammation of the large intestine, which is also called colitis.

Vancocin may also be used for conditions that are not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Vancocin

The use of Vancocin can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. You should stop using this medication and call your doctor immediately if you have any hearing problems or ringing in your ears.

PREGNANCY/BREASTFEEDING: Vancocin may/may not harm an unborn baby. The risk to your unborn child due to infection must be balanced against the risk of using Vancocin to fight the infection. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you plan to become pregnant before you start to take Vancocin. You should not use Vancocin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby, as Vancocin passes into breast milk and may harm a baby.

Vancocin may cause diarrhea during treatment. This may be a side effect or the sign of a possible new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, you should stop taking Vancocin right away and call your doctor. Do not use any anti-diarrhea medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Before You Take Vancocin

You should not use Vancocin if you are allergic to vancomycin.

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or hearing problems before starting treatment with Vancocin.

Let your doctor know if you an intestinal disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis before taking Vancocin.

You may need to have your blood tested while taking Vancocin to be certain that Vancocin is helping your condition. You may also need to have a kidney function test.

Vancocin Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• amikacin (Amikin)
• gentamicin (Garamycin)
• kanamycin (Kantrex)
• neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab)
• streptomycin
• tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Vancocin. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Vancocin

You should take Vancocin exactly as your doctor has prescribed you to. Do not use Vancocin in larger or smaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label exactly.

You should take Vancocin at evenly spaced intervals and with a full glass (8 oz.) of water.

You must take Vancocin for the full amount of time your doctor has prescribed for you to take it. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared, but you still need to complete your course of antibiotic treatment. Failure to do so may result in an increased risk of further infections that are resistant to antibiotics.

If you miss a dose of Vancocin you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Vancocin Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following adverse effects and stop taking Vancocin.

• allergic reaction that includes breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• flu symptoms with fever, chills and body aches
• hearing loss or ringing in your ears
• high potassium symptoms like a slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness and tingly feeling
• light headed feeling or fainting
• low potassium symptoms like confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness and a limp feeling
• skin rash that is severe and includes a fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain and is followed by a purple or red skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling
• urinating less than usual or not at all

Less serious Vancocin side effects may include:

• back pain
• dizziness
• muscle pain or tightness
• nausea

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Vancocin. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Vancocin Description and Dosing

Vancocin is available in capsules of 125 mg or 250 mg. The 125 mg capsules have an opaque blue cap and an opaque brown body. It is imprinted with “3125” on the cap and “Vancocin HCL 125 mg” on the body in white ink. The 250 mg capsule has an opaque blue cap and an opaque lavender body. It is imprinted with “3126” on the cap and “Vancocin HCL 250 mg” on the body in white ink.

Vancocin dosages vary for each individual based on their age, condition and situation. Your doctor will tell you the right dose of Vancocin for you to take. Do not change or alter your Vancocin dose without talking to your doctor first.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with the Vancocin you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Vancocin

Vancocin contains the active ingredient vancomycin hydrochloride. The capsules also contain F D & C Blue No. 2, gelatin, iron oxide, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and other inactive ingredients.

Back to Top

The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.