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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using vancomycin (Vancocin HCl Pulvules)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to vancomycin.

To make sure you can safely take vancomycin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease,
• hearing problems; or
• an intestinal disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether vancomycin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Vancomycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take vancomycin (Vancocin HCl Pulvules)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Vancomycin can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your hearing will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Take the oral medicine with a full glass of water.

Vancomycin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Vancomycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store vancomycin capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Store vancomycin oral liquid in the refrigerator, but do not allow it to freeze.

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