Learn about VANCOCIN® HCl Capsules
What are VANCOCIN HCl Capsules?
VANCOCIN HCl Capsules are the capsule form of vancomycin hydrochloride. It kills susceptible bacteria by weakening their cell wall structure. This causes the bacteria's cell wall to break open, and the bacterium to die.
What are VANCOCIN HCl Capsules used to treat?
VANCOCIN HCl Capsules are used to treat two bacterial infections that affect part of the gastrointestinal tract called the colon.
VANCOCIN HCl Capsules are used for the treatment of enterocolitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains) and antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile.
How should I take VANCOCIN HCl Capsules?
VANCOCIN HCl Capsules should be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. The usual daily adult dose is 500 mg to 2000 mg which is divided into 3 or 4 equal doses per day for 7 to 10 days. The usual daily dose for children is calculated based on the child's weight and is divided into 3 to 4 equal doses per day for 7 to 10 days. The total daily dose in children should not exceed 2000 mg.
Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by VANCOCIN HCl Capsules or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
What are the possible side effects of VANCOCIN HCl Capsules?
Side effects associated with VANCOCIN HCl Capsules include harmful effects to the kidneys, hearing, and certain blood cells that help fight infection or promote clotting of blood. VANCOCIN HCl Capsules has also been associated with an allergic type of reaction called "Red Man's Syndrome." Patients who experience this condition may have wheezing, difficulty breathing, hives, itching, flushing of the upper body (Red Man's Syndrome), pain, and muscle spasm of the chest and back.
If you experience any of the above after taking VANCOCIN HCl Capsules, call your doctor or pharmacist.
How are VANCOCIN HCl Capsules supplied?
VANCOCIN HCl Capsules are available only by prescription. VANCOCIN HCl Capsules are available as a 125 mg and 250 mg capsule.
VANCOCIN® HCl Capsules may be administered orally for treatment of enterocolitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains) and antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile. Parenteral administration of vancomycin is not effective for the above indications; therefore, VANCOCIN HCl Capsules must be given orally for these indications. Orally administered VANCOCIN HCl Capsules are not effective for other types of infection.
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of VANCOCIN HCl Capsules and other antibacterial drugs, VANCOCIN HCl Capsules should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by a susceptible bacteria. When culture and sensitivity are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy.
Adverse events include nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, reversible neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and "Red Man's Syndrome." In patients with renal dysfunction or those receiving concomitant therapy with an aminoglycoside, serial renal function testing should be performed. In patients receiving concomitant therapy with another ototoxic agent, serial tests of auditory function may be helpful in order to minimize the risk of ototoxicity. Infrequently allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, and exfoliative dermatitis have been reported.
Clinically significant serum concentrations of vancomycin have been reported in some patients treated with VANCOCIN HCl Capsules for pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile. It is noteworthy that total systemic and renal clearance of vancomycin are reduced in the elderly. Monitoring of serum concentrations may be appropriate in patients with renal insufficiency and/or colitis.
VANCOCIN HCl Capsules are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to vancomycin.