You're not logged in. Please log in to earn stock or Bitcoin rewards on your prescription purchase.
Vancomycin HCl
Vancomycin HCl is a powerful antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, especially those caused by Gram-positive bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Vancomycin is often reserved for severe infections that do not respond to other antibiotics. It works by inhibiting the formation of bacterial cell walls, leading to bacterial death.
Rx. Enter your prescription
How would you like to get your prescription? Select an option
Pharmacy pickup
Select from 35,000 pharmacies
Free two-day delivery
Coming soon!
Find a pharmacy near you. Enter your ZIP code
Are you a member? Sign up or log in.
Members have saved
$NaN
using our savings card for instant savings.
Don't pay full retail price and miss out on potential savings. Try it now—you have nothing to lose!
NaNM
worth of Satoshi has been rewarded to our members.
Everyone who signs up enjoys the benefits of earning FREE Bitcoin with every purchase.
How much Bitcoin can you earn with Vancomycin HCl ?
The potential for Bitcoin rewards to increase and appreciate in value is a possibility to consider, which may occur over time.
See the value of your savings today
Today's Value
1 Bitcoin = $NaN
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Adjust Bitcoin's potential value to see how much it could be worth
Potential Value
1 Bitcoin =
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for vancomycin to work?
The effect of vancomycin depends on the severity of the infection. Improvement in symptoms may be noticed within a few days of starting the medication, but a full course is typically required to ensure the infection is completely treated.
Can vancomycin cause kidney damage?
Yes, vancomycin has the potential to cause kidney damage, especially at high doses or in patients with pre-existing kidney conditions. Regular monitoring of kidney function and blood levels helps reduce this risk.
Can vancomycin be used for viral infections?
No, vancomycin is an antibiotic and is effective only against bacterial infections. It has no effect on viral infections such as colds or flu.
What should I do if I experience Red Man Syndrome?
If you experience flushing, redness, or itching during vancomycin infusion, inform your healthcare provider immediately. Slowing the infusion rate or taking antihistamines may help reduce these symptoms.
Can I take oral vancomycin for other types of infections?
No, oral vancomycin is specifically used to treat infections within the gastrointestinal tract, such as C. diff infections, and is not absorbed into the bloodstream for systemic infections.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does Vancomycin HCl Work?
Vancomycin works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria. It binds to the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, preventing its cross-linking and leading to bacterial cell death. This action makes vancomycin effective against bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics, particularly in treating MRSA and C. diff infections.
Common Dosages
- Intravenous (IV) formulations: Doses are usually individualized based on the severity of the infection and kidney function.
- Oral formulations (capsules and liquid): Doses for C. diff are typically 125 mg to 500 mg every 6 hours.
Typical Dosing
- For MRSA and severe Gram-positive infections: Vancomycin is administered intravenously, with doses tailored to body weight, kidney function, and the severity of the infection. Blood levels may be monitored to ensure appropriate dosing.
- For Clostridium difficile infection: Oral vancomycin is usually given at 125 mg to 250 mg four times daily for 10 to 14 days.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Severe methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (oral form only).
- Endocarditis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, septicemia, and skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria.
Who Shouldn't Take Vancomycin HCl?
- Known hypersensitivity to vancomycin or any component of the formulation.
- Severe renal impairment, unless dosages are carefully adjusted, as vancomycin is cleared by the kidneys.
Advice From The Pharmacist
- If you are prescribed intravenous vancomycin, your healthcare provider will likely monitor your kidney function and perform regular blood tests (trough levels) to ensure the drug is working effectively and not accumulating in your body.
- Oral vancomycin is specifically used for gastrointestinal infections like C. diff and does not work for systemic infections, as it is not absorbed into the bloodstream when taken by mouth.
- Take the full course of vancomycin, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully treated.
- Store the medication as directed, usually at room temperature, and protect from moisture.
Side Effects of Vancomycin HCl
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting or diarrhea (especially with oral vancomycin)
- Injection site pain (with IV administration)
- Low blood pressure or flushing (commonly referred to as Red Man Syndrome, when given intravenously too quickly)
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), particularly at high doses or in patients with pre-existing kidney conditions.
- Ototoxicity (hearing loss), especially in patients receiving high doses or prolonged therapy.
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing).
Risks and Warnings of Vancomycin HCl
- Kidney Damage: Vancomycin is associated with nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), especially at high doses or in patients with pre-existing kidney disease. Careful monitoring of kidney function and adjusting doses based on blood tests can help mitigate this risk.
- Hearing Loss: Vancomycin can cause ototoxicity (damage to the ears), which can lead to hearing loss or ringing in the ears, especially when given in high doses or over long periods.
- Red Man Syndrome: Rapid infusion of IV vancomycin can cause flushing, itching, and rash due to histamine release. This reaction can often be prevented by slowing the infusion rate.
Interactions with Vancomycin HCl
Common Drug Interactions
- Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin): Co-administration with vancomycin increases the risk of kidney damage and hearing loss.
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): These drugs can worsen kidney function when combined with vancomycin.
- Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide): These medications increase the risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity when used with vancomycin.
Alternatives to Vancomycin HCl
- Linezolid: An antibiotic used for infections caused by MRSA and other resistant Gram-positive bacteria.
- Daptomycin: A treatment option for serious Gram-positive bacterial infections, including MRSA and vancomycin-resistant organisms.
- Metronidazole: Often used as an alternative to vancomycin for mild to moderate C. diff infections.
