Vancomycin (Systemic)
Brand Names : Vancocin
Category
DescriptionVancomycin (van-koe-MYE-sin) belongs to the family of medicines called antibiotics.
Antibiotics are medicines used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria.
They work by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Vancomycin will not
work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Vancomycin is used to treat infections in many different parts of the body.
It is sometimes given with other antibiotics. Vancomycin also is used in patients
with heart valve disease (e.g., rheumatic fever) or prosthetic (artificial)
heart valves who are allergic to penicillin. Under certain circumstances, this
medicine also may be used to prevent endocarditis (inflammation of the lining
of the heart) in these patients who are having dental work done or surgery on
the upper respiratory tract (for example, nose or throat). Vancomycin also may
be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Vancomycin given by injection is used mainly for serious infections for which
other medicines may not work. However, this medicine may cause some serious
side effects, including damage to your hearing and kidneys. These side effects
may be more likely to occur in elderly patients. You and your doctor should
talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks associated with
receiving it.
Vancomycin is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following
dosage form:
Parenteral
- Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
In Canada -
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. and Canada.
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