Vancomycin capsules
What are vancomycin
capsules?
VANCOMYCIN (Vancocin) is an antibiotic. Absorption of
vancomycin from the stomach is poor. Taken by mouth,
it only works in the treatment of bacterial infections of the intestines (pseudomembranous colitis). Generic vancomycin
capsules are not available.
What should I tell my health care
provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
?dehydration
?inflammatory bowel disease
?kidney disease
?other chronic illness
?an unusual or allergic reaction to vancomycin,
other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives
?pregnant or trying to get pregnant
?breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take vancomycin capsules by mouth. Follow the directions
on the prescription label. Take with a full glass of water. Take your doses at
regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish
the full course of medicine prescribed by your prescriber or health care
professional even if you feel better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your
next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with vancomycin?
?cholestyramine
?colestipol
Taking these medicines at the same time as vancomycin
may stop either medicine working properly. If your prescriber or health care
professional also prescribes cholestyramine or colestipol, leave an interval of at least 3 or 4 hours
before you take vancomycin.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you
are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or
herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you
are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you
use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with
your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your
medicines.
What side effects may I notice
from taking vancomycin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care
professional as soon as possible:
?skin rash
If you take vancomycin by mouth, other serious side
effects are rare. Call your prescriber or health care professional if notice
any other unusual symptoms.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your
prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
?nausea, vomiting
What should I watch for while
taking vancomycin?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not
improve in a few days.
Call your prescriber or health care professional if you get diarrhea. Do not
treat yourself. Some diarrhea medicine will make your diarrhea worse.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot
open.
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