Sometimes a doctor will give you an 'antibiotic', right? Usually, this type of medicine is given for a serious infection caused by a bacteria, rather than something like a cold or flu. So, Vancomycin is a very important, special antibiotic that is given to control some serious bacterial infections that occur in your bowel. If this medicine is prescribed for you or someone in your family, it is normal to feel a little scared and curious about it. Therefore, today we will talk about this medicine called Vancomycin, just as if we were telling a friend.
What kind of medicine is Vancomycin?
Simply put, Vancomycin is an antibiotic belonging to the glycopeptide class . Its main function is to kill or control the growth of certain harmful bacteria that live in our intestines.
The most important thing is that this medicine only works for bacterial infections . That is, it has no effect on viral infections like the common cold and flu. Therefore, it is imperative to use this medicine only if prescribed by a doctor and only for the specific condition.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before prescribing Vancomycin, your doctor will need to know your medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you already have a medical condition in your stomach, intestines, or intestines (e.g. Inflammatory Bowel Disease).
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Vancomycin or any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives .
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How exactly should I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
1. The correct way: Take this capsule with a glass of water. Follow the instructions given by your doctor or on the prescription label.
2. At the right time: Keep the correct time interval between doses of the medicine. Taking it three times a day, about 8 hours apart, will help keep the concentration of the medicine in the blood at the same level.
3. Complete the course: This is the most important thing. Even if you feel a little better, take the full dose of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full number of days . If you stop taking it halfway, the infection may come back and the bacteria may become resistant to the medication (antibiotic resistance).
Never skip doses or stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
If given to young children:
If you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your pediatrician about the exact dosage. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage
If you suspect you've taken too much of this medicine, don't panic. There are two things you should do immediately.
- Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
- Or, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Also remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else , even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
It is important to pay attention to changes in your body while taking this medicine.
- Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve, or if new symptoms appear, tell your doctor immediately.
- Serious skin reactions: This is very important. Vancomycin can sometimes cause serious skin reactions. These can occur even weeks after starting the medication. Watch for the following symptoms:
- Fever or a rash with fever.
- Red or purple spots appear on the skin, which then blister or peel off.
- A red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor without delay.
- Interaction with other medications: If you are taking medications called Cholestyramine or Colestipol, do not take them within 3-4 hours of taking Vancomycin.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Vancomycin can cause some side effects. These can be divided into two main categories.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Kidney problems | Change in the amount or color of urine output. |
| Hearing changes | Hearing loss or ringing in the ears. |
| Other serious symptoms | Dizziness , fever, signs of infection, blistering or peeling skin (including inside the mouth), unusual bleeding or bruising, extreme fatigue. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Stomach discomfort | Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat specific bacterial infections in the intestines. It does not work against viruses.
- Even if you feel less uncomfortable, take the full dose of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full duration . Do not stop halfway.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions (especially kidney disease) and allergies you have before taking the medication.
- If symptoms such as fever and severe skin lesions develop, it could be a sign of a serious condition. See a doctor immediately.
- If you suspect an overdose, call the National Poisons Information Center or go to the ETU at the nearest hospital.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, it is best to ask the doctor who is treating you about it rather than asking others.
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