Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Vancocin. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Vancocin with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Vancocin. Many of these side effects can be managed,and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• additional side effects associated with IV administration of vancomycin include:
• dizziness
• flushing, redness, rash, itching, pain in the back and neck
• severe decrease in blood pressure
• chills
• nausea
• taste changes
• vomiting

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• flu-like symptoms (e.g., chills, Fever, sore throat, fatigue)
• hearing loss, dizziness, ringing in the ears
• Hives
• signs of clotting problems(e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• signs of kidney toxicity (e.g., puffy hands, eyes, or feet; fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting)
• wheezing

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips, or throat)
• symptoms of a severe skin rash (e.g., blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort)

125 mg
Each size 2 capsule with an opaque blue cap and opaque brown body imprinted with “3125” on the cap and “VANCOCIN HCL 125mg” on the body in white ink contains vancomycin hydrochloride, (expressed in terms of free base) equivalent to 125 mg (0.08 mmol) vancomycin. Nonmedicinal ingredients: FD&C BlueNo. 2, gelatin, iron oxide, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

250 mg
Each size 0 capsule with an opaque blue cap and opaque lavender body imprinted with “3126” on the cap and “VANCOCIN HCL 250mg” on the body in white ink contains vancomycin hydrochloride, (expressed in terms of free base) equivalent to 250 mg (0.17 mmol) vancomycin. Nonmedicinal ingredients:FD&C Blue No. 2, gelatin, iron oxide, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

Vancomycin should not be used by anyone who is allergic to vancomycin or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between vancomycin and any of the following:

• aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., tobramycin, gentamicin)
• BCG vaccine (Tuberculosis vaccine)
• Cholestyramine (oral dosage form of vancomycin only)
• Cisplatin
• Colestipol (oral dosage form of vancomycin only)
• neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., tubocurarine, pancuronium)
• nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• sodium picosulfate
• typhoid vaccine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Vancocin. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Vancocin.

Hearing loss: Vancomycin can cause hearing loss. People with a history of hearing loss should not take this medication if possible. If you experience any hearing loss, dizziness, or ringing ears while taking Vancocin, contact your doctor immediately.

Infusion reactions: IV administration of vancomycin can cause a reaction that includes severely reduced blood pressure, nausea, chills, fever, shortness of breath, and itching. If you experience any of these symptoms, let your doctor or nurse know immediately. Vancomycin may be able to be given if it is administered more slowly.

Intestinal inflammation: People with conditions associated with inflammation of the intestines (e.g., Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis) may be at higher risk for side effects, when they take vancomycin capsules, especially if they also have impaired kidney function. Your doctor will monitor you closely for side effects.

Kidney function: Reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease may cause Vancocin to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Vancocin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Vancocin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Vancomycin can cause kidney damage. If you experience symptoms of reduced kidney function such as decreased urine production, swelling, fatigue, abdominal pain, let your doctor know as soon as possible.

Overgrowth of organisms: During prolonged or repeated treatment with vancomycin, other bacteria or fungi may be allowed to overgrow. If your condition does not improve or worsens while taking Vancocin, contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: Vancocin should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Vancocin, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Vancocin passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are receiving IV vancomycin, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Premature neonates and young infants may require regular blood tests to ensure that the child is receiving the most appropriate dose.

Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects associated with vancomycin as a result of reduced kidney function. They may need a lower dose or be put on a less frequent dosing schedule.