Details for: VANCOCIN
Company: SEARCHLIGHT PHARMA INC
DIN | DIN name | Active Ingredient(s) | Strength | Dosage Form | Route of Administration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
00800430 | VANCOCIN | VANCOMYCIN (VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE) | 125 MG | CAPSULE | ORAL |
00788716 | VANCOCIN | VANCOMYCIN (VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE) | 250 MG | CAPSULE | ORAL |
Consumer Information
This information was provided by the drug’s manufacturer when this drug product was approved for sale in Canada. It is designed for consumers and care givers. It is a summary of information about the drug and will not tell you everything about the drug. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the drug.
What the medication is used for
VANCOCIN® is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the intestine such as pseudomembranous colitis or colitis. Colitis refers to swelling or inflammation of the large intestine (colon) that may occur due to an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile (C difficile) bacteria. This infection is a common cause of diarrhea after antibiotic use.
Antibacterial drugs like VANCOCIN® treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections such as the common cold. Although you may feel better early in treatment, VANCOCIN® should be used exactly as directed. Misuse or overuse of VANCOCIN could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by VANCOCIN® (resistance). This means that VANCOCIN® may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine
What it does
Vancomycin is in a class of medications called glycopeptide antibiotics. It works by killing certain bacteria in the intestines.
When it should not be used
- vancomycin hydrochloride
- any ingredient in the formulation or component of the container. (Please see “What are the ingredients in VANCOCIN® ?” section above).
What the medicinal ingredient is
Vancomycin hydrochloride.
What the non-medicinal ingredients are
FD&C Blue No.2, gelatin, iron oxide, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.
What dosage form it comes in
VANCOCIN comes as capsules to take by mouth.
VANCOCIN capsules are available in two strengths containing 125mg or 250mg of vancomycin (as vancomycin hydrochloride).
Warnings and precautions
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take VANCOCIN®. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- You have hearing problems
- You have had previous hearing loss
- You have kidney problems
- You have or have ever had:
- inflammatory bowel disease (swelling of the intestine that can cause painful cramps or diarrhea)
- Crohn's disease (a condition in which the body attacks the lining of the digestive tract, causing pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever)
- ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum)
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You are nursing or planning to nurse (Vancomycin is excreted in breast milk)
Other warnings you should know about:
While you are using VANCOCIN®
- Your healthcare professional may require that you do regular liver, kidney, blood or urine tests.
- If you are 65 or older, you could have more side effects. The risk of hearing or kidneys problems may be greater in older adults. See “Serious side effects and what to do about them” table for signs of hearing or kidneys problems.
- Driving and using machines: Ringing in your ears and dizziness have been reported and this may affect your ability to drive and use machines.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
Interactions with this medication
- Ethacrynic acid, a diuretic (“water pills”)
- Medications that affect your kidney or your nervous systems
- Medications given during surgery to relax the muscles (neuromuscular blocking agents)
- Other antibiotics such as:
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, paromomycin, tobramycin etc.
- Polymixin B
- Colistin
- Viomycin (not marketed in Canada)
- Cisplatin, a medicine used to treat cancer
Always keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare professional when you get a new medicine. It is important that your healthcare professional reviews all medications and supplements you are taking before prescribing VANCOCIN.
Proper use of this medication
Take VANCOCIN capsules by mouth. VANCOCIN capsules work mainly in the intestines.
Usual dose of VANCOCIN® capsule
- Adults: 125mg to 500mg 3 to 4 times a day for7 to 10 days.
- Children who can swallow: The dose required will depend on the child weigh: 40mg/kg body weight daily in 3 or 4 doses for 7 to 10 days. The maximum daily dose is 2g.
Your healthcare professional will work out the right dose of VANCOCIN for you or your child and how often it must be given each day. Ask your healthcare professional if you have any questions about VANCOCIN dosing instructions.
Overdose
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of VANCOCIN®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Side effects and what to do about them
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking VANCOCIN®. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
VANCOCIN® may cause the following side effects:
- Drug fever
- Nausea
- Chills
- Itching, hives, skin rash
- Hypotension (low blood pressure): dizziness, fainting, light headedness
Tell your doctor or your healthcare professional if you experience any of the side effects listed above. Some side effects such as skin rash may be a sign of a more serious reaction.
Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional Only if severe | Talk to your healthcare professional In all cases | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help |
---|---|---|---|
COMMON | |||
Allergic reactions:
|
✔ | ||
Redness of the skin above your waist (“red neck”) | ✔ | ||
RARE | |||
Blood problems such as:
|
✔ | ||
Kidney problems:
|
✔ | ||
Hearing problems:
|
✔ | ||
Pain and muscle tightness of the chest and back | ✔ | ||
Serious life-threatening skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Drug Reaction/Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)):
|
✔ |
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
How to store
Store VANCOCIN® capsules at room temperature, 15˚ to 25˚C. Do not use beyond the expiration date.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/report-declaration/index-eng.php) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
More information
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php); the manufacturer’s website www.meruslabs.com, or by calling 1-866-554-7656 ex 7804.
This leaflet was prepared by Methapharm Inc.
Last Revised: January 21, 2019