Vancomycin 10gm Inj, 1 Vial

Vancomycin is a tricyclic glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds with high affinity to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of peptidoglycan precursors, preventing the transpeptidation (cross-linking) and transglycosylation (elongation) steps necessary for cell wall formation. This leads to increased cell wall permeability and bacterial cell lysis. It is bactericidal against susceptible Gram-positive organisms.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of kidney problems, including:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Severe skin reactions, such as:
+ Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
+ Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
+ Other serious reactions that can affect body organs and be life-threatening
+ Symptoms may include:
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
- Red or irritated eyes
- Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen glands
If you receive this medication through a vein (intravenous injection):
+ Fever
+ Chills
+ Sore throat
+ Pain when passing urine
+ Changes in balance
+ Flushing
+ Rash on the face, neck, trunk, and arms during infusion
If the medication is administered too quickly, you may experience:
+ Shortness of breath or wheezing
+ Itching
+ Muscle pain
+ Chest pain
+ Signs of low blood pressure, such as dizziness or fainting
If you notice any signs of tissue damage at the injection site, such as:
+ Redness
+ Burning
+ Pain
+ Swelling
+ Blisters
+ Skin sores
+ Leaking of fluid

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:

Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This is crucial to ensure safe use and avoid potential interactions.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with other medical conditions or drugs.

To guarantee your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor. It is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions. Your doctor and pharmacist will work together to ensure that all your medications, including this one, are safe and appropriate for you to take.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

If you have a history of kidney problems, such as kidney failure, notify your doctor, as this medication can cause kidney issues. Your doctor will likely recommend regular blood work and other laboratory tests to monitor your condition.

Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of permanent hearing loss. Do not exceed the prescribed duration of treatment, and immediately report any changes in your hearing or symptoms of hearing loss to your doctor. You may need to undergo hearing tests during treatment, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

Use this medication only for the recommended duration, as prolonged use can lead to a second infection.

Antibiotics, including this medication, can cause diarrhea, which may be mild or severe. In rare cases, a severe form of diarrhea called Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) can occur, potentially leading to life-threatening bowel problems. CDAD may develop during or after treatment, sometimes several months later. If you experience stomach pain, cramps, or loose, watery, or bloody stools, contact your doctor promptly. Before treating diarrhea, consult with your doctor.

This medication is not intended for injection into the eye, as it can cause severe eye problems, including permanent vision loss.

If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby. If you are of childbearing age, your doctor may require a pregnancy test before starting treatment to confirm that you are not pregnant.

• Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin): Increased risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
• Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide, bumetanide): Increased risk of ototoxicity.
• Other nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., amphotericin B, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, NSAIDs): Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.

• Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., succinylcholine, rocuronium): May prolong neuromuscular blockade.
• Metformin: Vancomycin may increase metformin concentrations by inhibiting renal tubular secretion (theoretical, clinical significance unclear).

• Signs of nephrotoxicity (decreased urine output, swelling, fatigue)
• Signs of ototoxicity (tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo)
• Signs of Red Man Syndrome (flushing, rash, pruritus, urticaria, hypotension, tachycardia during or shortly after infusion)
• Signs of hypersensitivity reactions (rash, fever, chills)
• Signs of phlebitis/thrombophlebitis at infusion site

Vancomycin is classified as Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Limited human data suggest no increased risk of major birth defects, but animal studies are lacking or show adverse effects. Therapeutic drug monitoring is essential to maintain appropriate levels and minimize fetal exposure.

Vancomycin is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. Oral absorption by the infant is poor, so systemic effects on the infant are unlikely. However, potential risks include alteration of infant gut flora, direct effects on the infant (e.g., ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, though unlikely due to poor absorption), and interference with interpretation of culture results if fever workup is needed. Use with caution; monitor infant for adverse effects.

Dosing is weight-based and often requires more frequent administration than in adults due to higher clearance rates. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is critical in all pediatric age groups, especially neonates and infants, due to variability in pharmacokinetics and immature renal function. Close monitoring for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity is essential.

Elderly patients are more likely to have age-related decreases in renal function, which can prolong vancomycin half-life and increase the risk of accumulation and toxicity (nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity). Dosing should be carefully adjusted based on renal function, and therapeutic drug monitoring is highly recommended. Close monitoring for adverse effects is crucial.

• Always administer vancomycin IV infusions slowly over at least 60 minutes (or longer for doses >1g) to prevent Red Man Syndrome.
• Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of trough levels is essential for optimizing efficacy and minimizing toxicity, especially in patients with renal impairment, critical illness, or those receiving prolonged therapy.
• Hydration is important to help prevent nephrotoxicity.
• Vancomycin is ineffective against Gram-negative bacteria and atypical organisms.
• Oral vancomycin is used ONLY for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and is not absorbed systemically; IV vancomycin is NOT effective for CDI.

• Linezolid (for MRSA, VRE)
• Daptomycin (for MRSA, VRE)
• Ceftaroline (for MRSA)
• Tedizolid (for MRSA)
• Dalbavancin (for MRSA)
• Oritavancin (for MRSA)
• Quinupristin/dalfopristin (for MRSA, VRE)

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly; do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult your pharmacist, who can also inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area. Additionally, some medications may have a separate patient information leaflet, which your pharmacist can provide. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time of ingestion to ensure prompt and effective treatment.