Vancomycin Side Effects

Severe Side Effects of Vancomycin

Ringing in the ears, auditory hallucinations, and hearing loss.
Lowered Potassium levels which might cause muscle pain, cramping, and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Persistent diarrhea.
Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein caused by a bloodclot) may result from an intravenous infusion of Vancomycin.
Decreased white blood cell count and an increased chance of infection or superinfection.
Anemia, which is a drop in red blood cells.
Anaphylaxis.
Peripheral neuropathy.

Common Side Effects of Vancomycin

Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, and flatulence have been reported.
Urinary tract infection.
Fever.
Fatigue.

Warnings & Recalls for Vancomycin

Vancomycin Recalls

On January 19th, 2011, Abbott Laboratories recalled all lots of ARCHITECT iVancomycin Reageants, which are used to monitor vancomycin levels to treat overdose as well as observe levels to maintain proper therapeutic levels. The recalled lots may give falsely elevated levels and result in inaccurate data. The recall number is Z-0629-2011.
On March 24th, 2011, Advanced Speciality Pharmacy LLC issued a recall for vancomycin bags due to sterility issues. The recall numbers are D-697-2012 and D-707-2012.
On May 20th, 2009, Hospira Inc. issued a recalls for Sterile Vancomycin Hydrochloride USP, sterile Lyophilized Poweder, bulk package of 100 ml vials for intravenous use equivalent to 5 grams of Vancomycin (NDC 0409-6509-01) recall number D-417-2009 and Sterile Vancomycin Hydrochloride USP, sterile lyophilized powder for intravenous use packaged in flip top vial, equal to 1 gram of Vancomycin, 10 units per carton, 5 cartons per case (NDC 0409-6533-01), recall number D-417-2009 due to compromised sterility of the stoppers.

Warnings

Vancomycin may cause kidney damage or kidney failure, especially in patients taking high doses of Vancomycin, the elderly, and those with a history of kidney problems. If the patient experiences bloody or cloudy urine, Vancomycin use should be discontinued.
Red man syndrome may occur during a rapid intravenous infusion of Vancomycin. In order to prevent or minimize this adverse effect, administer the infusion at a slow rate.
Vancomycin is a class B pregnancy drug. In animal trials, no adverse effects were observed in the fetuses of pregnant rats and rabbits. However, Vancomycin should be used with caution while pregnant and it may pass through breast milk while breastfeeding.
Before taking Vancomycin, tell your physician if you have inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohns or ulcerative colitis.

Vancomycin Treatment and Use

Vancomycin | Vancocin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat certain intestinal bacterial infections as well as staph and strep infections, and meningitis. Vancomycin is often used as a last resort treatment for bacterial infections that do not respond to common antibiotics. It is also prescribed for patients who are allergic to penicillin. Vancomycin was originally marketed by Eli Lilly as Vancocin but is now commonly manufactured in it’s generic form by Pfizer, Sandoz, Hospira, Baxter Healthcare, Abbott Laboratories, and others.

What does Vancomycin do?

Vancomycin targets the cell walls of bacteria and helps prevent further spread of infection by halting bacterial growth.

Dosage

Vancomycin comes in IV, oral liquid, and capsule forms. The capsules are not as well absorbed as the IV and are mainly used to fight infections associated with enterocolitis.

Capsule and Oral liquid

Vancomycin comes in 125 and 250 mg capsules.

For pseudomembranous enterocolitis: The initial dose is 125 mg four times a day for 10 days. If the patient has staphylococcal enterocolitis, then the initial dose is 500 mg daily divided into 4 doses for 10 days. The dosage may be increased up to 2 grams a day if needed.

IV

For bacterial infection: The initial dose is 15-2o mg per kg of weight every 8-12 hours. Your physician might also recommend 500 mg every 6 hours.