NZ Formulary

Vancomycin (injection)

van-koh-my-sin

What does it do?

Vancomycin is used to treat and prevent bacterial infections.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How is it given?

Vancomycin is given as a slow infusion into a vein, usually by a health professional.

What if you forget a dose?

If you miss a dose, contact your health professional as soon as possible.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with vancomycin including:

  • anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren®), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®), or aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (e.g. Nurofen Cold and Flu®).

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

Important information continues on next page.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Reaction during the infusion including: flushing, redness, itching, short of breath, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat

Reduced number of blood cells that fight infections or help your blood to clot - symptoms include: fever, chills, sore throat or generally feeling unwell, or easy or unusual bruising or bleeding

Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, unsteadiness

Tell your doctor immediately

Severe or persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain

Tell your doctor

Pain, tenderness or redness at injection site

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • You will need regular blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working, and to measure the amount of  vancomycin in your blood to make sure you are on the right dose.