About vancomycin hcl eq to vancomycin
Glycopeptide antibiotic
Used for
- Serious infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA
- Serious infections when other antibiotics are unsuitable
- Oral vancomycin, not intravenous, treats C. difficile infection
Usual adult dose
Usually 15–20 mg/kg intravenously every 8–12 hours, adjusted for kidney function and blood levels.
Usual dose in children
Usually 10–15 mg/kg intravenously every 6 hours; dosing is adjusted for age, kidney function, and blood levels.
Common side effects
- Kidney injury
- Infusion-related flushing, itching, or low blood pressure
- Pain or inflammation at the infusion site
- Nausea or rash
Important warnings
- Infuse slowly; rapid infusion can cause serious reactions.
- Kidney function and vancomycin levels may need monitoring.
- Hearing damage is rare but possible, especially with other toxic medicines.
- Use only for bacterial infections; it does not treat viral illnesses.
Pregnancy
May be used when clinically necessary; human pregnancy information is limited.
Breastfeeding
Generally compatible; small amounts may enter milk, and infant gut absorption is expected to be low.
Interactions
- Other kidney-toxic medicines, such as aminoglycosides or amphotericin, may increase kidney injury risk.
- Other medicines that can harm hearing may increase hearing-damage risk.
- Anaesthetic agents may increase infusion-related reactions.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.