About vancomycin hcl m
Glycopeptide antibiotic
Used for
- Serious infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA.
- Bloodstream, heart-valve, bone, skin, and lung infections.
- Certain serious infections when other antibiotics are unsuitable.
Usual adult dose
Usually 15–20 mg/kg intravenously every 8–12 hours; dosing is adjusted using blood levels and kidney function.
Usual dose in children
Usually 10–15 mg/kg intravenously every 6 hours; specialist dosing and monitoring are required.
Common side effects
- Infusion-related flushing, itching, or rash
- Kidney injury
- Hearing problems, rarely
- Low blood counts, with prolonged treatment
Important warnings
- Use only for infections caused by susceptible bacteria; it does not treat viral infections.
- Infuse slowly to reduce infusion reactions.
- Monitor kidney function and vancomycin blood levels during treatment.
- Dose adjustment and closer monitoring may be needed with kidney impairment.
Pregnancy
Use when clearly needed; available evidence has not established a major birth-defect risk.
Breastfeeding
Vancomycin enters breast milk poorly after intravenous use; infant effects are unlikely but possible.
Interactions
- Other kidney-toxic medicines, including aminoglycosides, can increase kidney injury risk.
- Other medicines affecting hearing may increase hearing-damage risk.
- Anesthetic medicines may increase infusion-related flushing or low blood pressure.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.