How does it work?

Vancomycin belongs to a group of antibiotics called glycopeptides. Bacteria have an external cell wall that is reinforced by molecules called peptidoglycans. The cell wall is vital for protection against the normal environment of the body in which the bacteria live.Vancomycin works by blocking the formation of these peptidoglycans. By doing this the walls of the bacteria become weak and it results in the death of the bacteria. When vancomycin is given by mouth there is little absorption from the gut into the blood. Therefore it is used to treat a particular infection of the gut known as pseudomembraneous colitis.

What is it used for?

• Bowel infection resulting in inflammation of the bowel lining (pseudomembranous colitis)

Warning!

• Monitoring of kidney and ear function should be carried out regularly whilst taking this medicine.
• It is recommended that regular blood tests are performed to check levels of the blood components.

Use with caution in

• Decreased kidney function
• Elderly people
• History of hearing problems
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
• This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

• Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Rash
• Itching (pruritus)
• Nausea
• Blood disorders
• Fever (pyrexia)
• Kidney damage
• An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Hearing problems (ototoxicity)
• Kidney failure

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Colestyramine may reduce the absoption of vancomycin from the gut.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients