Generic name: vancomycin (oral) [ VAN-koe-MYE-sin ]
Brand names: FIRST-Vancomycin 25, FIRST-Vancomycin 50, Firvanq
Drug class:Glycopeptide antibiotics
What is vancomycin?
Vancomycin is an antibiotic. Oral (taken by mouth) vancomycin fights bacteria in the intestines.
Vancomycin is used to treat an infection of the intestines caused by Clostridium difficile, which can cause watery or bloody diarrhea. This medicine is also used to treat staph infections that can cause inflammation of the colon and small intestines.
Oral vancomycin works only in the intestines and is not normally absorbed into the body. vancomycin will not treat other types of infection. An injectable form of this medicine is available to treat serious infections in other parts of the body.
Warnings
Oral vancomycin works only in the intestines and will not treat infections in other parts of the body. Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not vancomycin if you are allergic to it.
To make sure vancomycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
an intestinal disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis;
kidney disease;
hearing problems; or
if you are receiving any intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or brea...
