Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Vancocin
What is VANCOCIN® used for?
VANCOCIN® is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the intestine such as pseudomembranous colitis or colitis. Colitis is the to swelling or inflammation of the large intestine (colon) that can happen because of an overgrowth of a type of bacteria called Clostridium difficile (C difficile). This infection is a common cause of diarrhea after antibiotic use.
Antibacterial drugs like VANCOCIN® treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections such as the common cold. Although you may feel better early in treatment, VANCOCIN® should be used exactly as directed. Misuse or overuse of VANCOCIN could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by VANCOCIN® (resistance). This means that VANCOCIN® may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine
How does VANCOCIN® work?
Vancomycin is in a class of medications called glycopeptide antibiotics. It works by killing certain bacteria in the intestines.
What are the ingredients in VANCOCIN®?
Medicinal ingredients: Vancomycin hydrochloride
Non-medicinal ingredients: Gelatin, indigo carmine, iron oxide, polyethylene glycol and titanium dioxide.
VANCOCIN® comes in the following dosage forms:
Capsules, 125mg or 250mg
Do not use VANCOCIN® if:
- you are allergic to vancomycin hydrochloride
- you are allergic to any ingredient in the formulation or component of the container (please see “What are the ingredients in VANCOCIN®?” section above).
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take VANCOCIN®. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if:
- You have hearing problems
- You have had previous hearing loss
- You have kidney problems
You have or have ever had:
- inflammatory bowel disease (swelling of the intestine that can cause painful cramps or diarrhea)
- Crohn's disease (a condition in which the body attacks the lining of the digestive tract, causing pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever)
ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum)
VANCOCIN capsules work mainly in the intestines and does not get into the blood. If you have problems in the intestines some medicine may get into the blood and you may have some side effects.
You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You are nursing or planning to nurse (Vancomycin is excreted in breast milk)
Other warnings you should know about:
While you are using VANCOCIN®
- Your healthcare professional may require that you do regular liver, kidney, blood or urine tests.
- If you are 65 or older, you could have more side effects. The risk of hearing or kidneys problems may be greater in older adults. See “Serious side effects and what to do about them” table for signs of hearing or kidneys problems.
Driving and using machines: You may have ringing in your ears and dizziness. These may affect your ability to drive and use machines.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with VANCOCIN®:
- Ethacrynic acid, a diuretic (“water pills”)
- Medications that affect your kidney or your nervous systems
- Medications given during surgery to relax the muscles (neuromuscular blocking agents)
Other antibiotics such as:
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, paromomycin, tobramycin etc.
- Polymixin B
- Colistin
- Viomycin (not marketed in Canada)
- Cisplatin, a medicine used to treat cancer
How to take VANCOCIN®:
- Take VANCOCIN capsules by mouth.
Usual dose:
- Adults: 125mg to 500mg 3 to 4 times a day for 7 to 10 days.
Children who can swallow: The dose required will depend on the child’s weight: 40mg/kg body weight daily in 3 or 4 doses for 7 to 10 days. The maximum daily dose is 2g.
Your healthcare professional will tell you exactly how much VANCOCIN you or your child need to take and how often it must be taken each day. Ask your healthcare professional if you have any questions about VANCOCIN dosing instructions.
Overdose:
| If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much VANCOCIN®, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
|---|
Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose of VANCOCIN®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
What are possible side effects from using VANCOCIN®?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking VANCOCIN®. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
VANCOCIN® may cause the following side effects:
- Drug fever
- Nausea
- Chills
- Itching, hives, skin rash
- Hypotension (low blood pressure): dizziness, fainting, light headedness
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help |
|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | |
| COMMON | ||
| ✓ | ||
Allergic reactions:
| ||
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Redness of the skin above your waist (“red neck”) | ✓ | ||
| RARE | |||
Blood problems such as:
| ✓ | ||
Kidney problems:
| ✓ | ||
Hearing problems:
| ✓ | ||
| Pain and muscle tightness of the chest and back | ✓ | ||
Serious life-threatening skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Drug Reaction/Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)):
| ✓ | ||
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help |
|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | |
| ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
Storage:
Store VANCOCIN® capsules at room temperature, 15˚ to 25˚C. Protect from moisture. Do not use beyond the expiration date.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about VANCOCIN®:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html; the manufacturer’s website www.searchlightpharma.com; or by calling 1-855-331-0830.