Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, open, or chew it.

If you are using the oral liquid:

  • Shake the medicine well before each use.
  • Use a specially marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
  • Do not use after the expiration date on the label. The medicine may not work properly after that date. Check with your pharmacist if you have any questions about this.

If you are also using cholestyramine or colestipol for your colitis, do not take vancomycin by mouth within 3 to 4 hours of taking either of these medicines. Doing so may keep vancomycin from working properly.

Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage forms (capsules or oral liquid):
    • For treatment of C. difficile-associated diarrhea:
      • Adults—125 milligrams (mg) 4 times a day for 10 days.
      • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor. The usual dose is 40 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight, divided into 3 or 4 doses, and taken for 7 to 10 days. However, dose is usually not more than 2000 mg per day.
    • For treatment of Staphylococcal enterocolitis:
      • Adults—500 to 2000 milligrams (mg) divided into 3 or 4 doses for 7 to 10 days.
      • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor. The usual dose is 40 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight, divided into 3 or 4 doses, and taken for 7 to 10 days. However, dose is usually not more than 2000 mg per day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the capsules at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days, or if the liquid becomes cloudy or has particles in it.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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