What is vancomycin?
Vancomycin is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.
Vancomycin is used to treat infections of the intestines that cause colitis (inflammation of the large intestine).
Vancomycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about vancomycin?
Before using vancomycin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease, problems with your hearing, or an intestinal disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis.
Vancomycin can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any hearing problems or ringing in your ears.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your hearing will need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Vancomycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using vancomycin?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to vancomycin.
To make sure you can safely take vancomycin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether vancomycin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
Vancomycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.