What this medicine is used for

(ARTG)

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Intravenous Infusion is indicated for potentially life threatening infections which cannot be treated with another effective, less toxic antimicrobial medicine, including the penicillins and cephalosporins. Vancomycin is useful in therapy of severe staphylococcal (including methicillin-resistant staphylococcal) infections in patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to the penicillins and cephalosporins or who have infections with staphylococci that are resistant to other antibiotics. Once sensitivity data are available, therapy should be adjusted accordingly. Vancomycin is effective alone or in combination with an aminoglycoside for endocarditis caused by Strep. viridans or Strep. bovis. For endocarditis caused by enterococci (eg Enterococcus faecalis), vancomycin is effective only in combination with an aminoglycoside. Vancomycin is effective for the treatment of diphtheroid endocarditis. Vancomycin is used in combination with rifampicin, an aminoglycoside, or both in early onset prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Staph. epidermidis or diphtheroids. The effectiveness of vancomycin has been documented in other infections due to staphylococci including osteomyelitis, pneumonia, septicaemia and, skin and skin structure infections. When staphylococcal infections are localised and purulent, antibiotics are used as adjuncts to appropriate surgical measures. Specimens for bacteriological cultures should be obtained in order to isolate and identify causative organisms and to determine their susceptibilities to vancomycin. Vancomycin should be administered orally for the treatment of staphylococcal enterocolitis and antibiotic associated pseudomembranous colitis (produced by C. difficile). Parenteral administration of vancomycin alone is inappropriate for this indication. Vancomycin is not effective by the oral route for other types of infections. For oral administration the parenteral formulation may be used. Some systemic absorption may occur following oral administration in patients with pseudomembranous colitis.

How to use this medicine

(ARTG)

This medicine contains one component only.

Storage conditions

(ARTG)

• Store below 25 degrees Celsius
• Protect from Light
• Store in Original Container
• Shelf lifetime is 2 Years.

Do I need a prescription ?

(ARTG)

These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine. open tool tip to find out more

• 1 Vial pack

Is this medicine subsidised ?

(PBS)

This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on September, 1 2024. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy ?

(AHT)

For the active ingredient vancomycin

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.