Vancomycin

About Vancomycin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antibiotics.

It is used to treat bacterial infections, particularly infections of the bowel (eg. colitis) by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria responsible.

Vancomycin is available in capsule and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Vancocin Matrigel. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Vancomycin

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you have a history of deafness or ear problems
• if you have ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or any other condition where the intestines are inflammed
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Vancomycin

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the printed information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
• Swallow vancomycin capsules whole with plenty of water.
• Try to take this medicine at regular intervals, to keep a steady level of vancomycin in the intestines.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of vancomycin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course of vancomycin. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking vancomycin.
• If you have any medical tests, tell the person carrying out the test that you are being treated with vancomycin.
• Some people develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Important: Oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking vancomycin and unplanned pregnancies have occurred. In addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking vancomycin and for at least seven days after your course of vancomycin has finished. If these seven days run into a 'pill-free' week, start taking the next packet of contraceptives without leaving a break. If you are taking the type of contraceptive pill that is taken every day or if you need any further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Vancomycin can cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside vancomycin.

Can Vancomycin cause problems?

Vancomycin capsules are generally not absorbed into the bloodstream and are therefore unlikely to cause any severe side effects. If you experience any of the following and they become troublesome tell your doctor.

Nausea, feeling dizzy, chils, flushing, pain or muscle spasms or bruising.

Important: If you develop a rash, ringing in the ears or hearing difficulty or have difficulty breathing contact your doctor at once.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Vancomycin

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 07/11/2003