Vancomycin capsules

For education only

This guide cannot diagnose a condition or recommend a personal treatment plan. Discuss medical questions with a qualified professional.

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VANCOMYCIN (van koe MYE sin) treats diarrhea caused by bacteria. It works by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria in your intestines that make toxins. It belongs to a group of medications called antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vancocin

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

Bowel, intestines, stomach disease
Kidney disease
An unusual or allergic reaction to vancomycin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Avoid taking cholestyramine or colestipol within 3 or 4 hours of taking this medication.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Cholestyramine
Colestipol
Estrogen or progestin hormones
Vancomycin injection

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better of if they get worse.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Hearing loss, ringing in ears
Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Severe diarrhea, fever
Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Fatigue
Gas
Headache
Nausea
Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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Peptide Therapy Guide Editorial Team