Vancomycin 1gm/200m Inj 12x200ml

Vancomycin is a tricyclic glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding with high affinity to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of nascent peptidoglycan precursors. This binding prevents the transglycosylation and transpeptidation steps, leading to cell lysis and bacterial death. It also alters bacterial cell membrane permeability and RNA synthesis.

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 this medication is administered too quickly, it can cause:
+ Shortness of breath or wheezing
+ Itching
+ Muscle pain
+ Chest pain
+ Signs of low blood pressure, such as dizziness or fainting
If the medication leaks from the vein, it can cause tissue damage. Inform your nurse immediately if you experience:
+ Redness
+ Burning
+ Pain
+ Swelling
+ Blisters
+ Skin sores
+ Leaking of fluid at the injection site

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 persist:

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 symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. This medication may interact with other prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, or vitamins, which could affect its safety and efficacy.
A complete list of all your current medications, including prescription and OTC drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions and ensure safe use.
Any existing health problems, as they may impact the safety and effectiveness of this medication.

To ensure your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor. It is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions.

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

Kidney problems, such as kidney failure, have been associated with this drug. If you have a history of kidney problems, notify your doctor promptly.

Regular blood work and other laboratory tests, as directed by your doctor, are crucial to monitor your health while taking this medication.

Long-term use of this drug may increase the risk of permanent hearing loss. Do not exceed the prescribed duration of treatment. Immediately report any changes in your hearing or symptoms of hearing loss to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend regular hearing tests during treatment.

Do not use this medication for an extended period, as this may lead to a secondary infection.

Antibiotics, including this drug, can cause diarrhea. Although rare, a severe form of diarrhea called Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) may occur, potentially leading to life-threatening bowel problems. CDAD can develop during or several months after antibiotic treatment. If you experience stomach pain, cramps, or loose, watery, or bloody stools, contact your doctor immediately. Before treating diarrhea, consult your doctor.

This medication is not approved for injection into the eye, as it may cause 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, discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor. For women of childbearing age, your doctor may require a pregnancy test before initiating 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): May increase risk of ototoxicity.
• Cisplatin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
• Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
• Neuromuscular blockers (e.g., succinylcholine, rocuronium): May potentiate and prolong neuromuscular blockade.

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): May increase risk of nephrotoxicity.
• Amphotericin B: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
• Radiographic contrast media: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.

• Rash (especially 'Red Man Syndrome' - flushing, pruritus, erythema of upper body, neck, face, arms, back)
• Hearing changes (tinnitus, hearing loss)
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Signs of kidney dysfunction (decreased urine output, swelling, fatigue)
• Fever, chills, sore throat (signs of neutropenia, though rare)
• Pain or phlebitis at infusion site

Vancomycin is generally considered acceptable for use in pregnancy when clearly indicated for serious infections, as the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Limited human data suggest no increased risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. However, potential for ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity in the fetus/neonate cannot be entirely excluded, especially with high maternal concentrations.

Vancomycin is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. Oral absorption by the infant is poor, so systemic exposure to the infant is expected to be minimal. Risk of adverse effects in breastfed infants is generally considered low. Monitor infant for changes in bowel habits (diarrhea), rash, or thrush.

Dosing is weight-based and often requires therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to achieve target trough levels, especially in neonates and infants due to variable renal maturation. Close monitoring of renal function is essential.

Elderly patients are more likely to have age-related decline in renal function, which necessitates careful dose adjustment and close monitoring of vancomycin trough levels and renal function to prevent accumulation and toxicity. They may also be more susceptible to ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

• Always infuse vancomycin slowly over at least 60 minutes (or longer for doses >1g) to prevent Red Man Syndrome.
• Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) with trough levels is critical for optimizing efficacy and minimizing toxicity, especially for serious infections or in patients with unstable renal function.
• Target trough levels vary based on the severity and type of infection (10-15 mcg/mL for less severe, 15-20 mcg/mL for serious infections).
• Vancomycin is NOT absorbed orally for systemic infections; oral vancomycin is used only for Clostridioides difficile infection.
• Hydration is important to minimize the risk of nephrotoxicity.
• Consider alternative agents if a patient develops significant nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity, or if they have a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions.

• Linezolid (for MRSA, VRE)
• Daptomycin (for MRSA, VRE)
• Ceftaroline (for MRSA)
• Tedizolid (for MRSA)
• Dalbavancin (for MRSA)
• Oritavancin (for MRSA)
• Tigecycline (for MRSA, VRE)
• Clindamycin (for some Gram-positive infections, but resistance is common)
• Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (for some MRSA infections)

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. 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. Some medications may have additional patient information leaflets, 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 emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time of ingestion.