Sometimes, we can develop serious bacterial infections that are difficult to control with regular antibiotics. This is when doctors decide to give us a powerful antibiotic like Vancomycin. This is usually given as an injection through a vein. So, if you or someone you know has been prescribed this treatment, it is very important to be a little aware of it.
What kind of medicine is Vancomycin?
Simply put, Vancomycin is a very powerful antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections . Medically speaking, it is a drug that belongs to the `(glycopeptide)` class. The most important thing to remember is that it is only used to kill bacteria. This drug does not cure viral infections like colds and flu.
This medicine may be available under other names. Also, doctors may sometimes use it for other conditions not listed here. So if you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before you start taking this medication, you should definitely discuss these issues with your doctor, as this information will be very important in making decisions about your treatment.
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have any hearing impairment .
- If your body is dehydrated .
- If you have allergies to Vancomycin or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
- About other chronic illnesses you have.
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is usually given as an infusion into a vein, similar to a saline solution. This is often done by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.
You may need to take this medication at home. If so, you will be given special instructions for doing so. The most important thing is to take the correct dose at the correct time. Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the full dose of medication prescribed by your doctor.
Important: If you are receiving treatment at home, never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special sharps container that can be removed. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
Special precautions should be taken when giving this medicine to young children and infants. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, talk to a pediatrician about it.
What if I overdose?
If you think you have overdosed on this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with Vancomycin. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Below are some medications that may interact with Vancomycin. However, this list is not complete.
- Amphotericin B
- Anesthetics
- Bacitracin
- Birth control pills
- Cisplatin
- Colistin
- Water pills (Diuretics)
- Other aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Polymyxin B
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- If your symptoms do not improve, or if new symptoms appear, tell your doctor. Your condition and blood test results will need to be monitored throughout your treatment.
- Diarrhea: If you have severe diarrhea that lasts more than two days, do not take over-the-counter medications. Be sure to call your doctor for advice.
- Serious skin reactions: Serious skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a rash with a fever or a feverish feeling . These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and start to peel. Or, if you notice a red rash on your face, lips, neck, or armpits along with swollen lymph nodes, seek medical advice right away.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Vancomycin can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Vancomycin side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness |
| Kidney problems | Change in the amount or color of urine |
| Hearing problems | Hearing changes, ringing in the ears |
| Blood pressure | Low blood pressure, dizziness, chest pain |
| Skin reactions | Redness of the face and neck, blistering of the skin, peeling of the skin, sores inside the mouth |
| Other | Fever, chills, unusual bruising or bleeding, extreme fatigue |
| 🙂 Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist. | |
| Digestive system | Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps |
| Injection site | Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, please inform your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Vancomycin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections. It does not work against viruses.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about your complete health history (kidneys, hearing, allergies) and all other medications you are taking.
- Take the full amount of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full duration of the prescribed course. Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe diarrhea, skin blistering or peeling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න