Question 1

how can you tell if you have a vancomycin allergy?

Accepted Answer

See Allergist: If you have never taken vancomycin before then there should be no concern for an allergy. You cannot develop an allergy after the first dose. For subsequent dose you are at no greater risk then the general population for developing an allergy to this medication. If you've had a reaction in the past, see Allergist to determine if your reaction is truly an allergy. Red Mans Syndrome non-allergic rx.

Question 2

why i.v. injection of vancomycin is given slowly?

Accepted Answer

IV vancomycin: It is given slowly to give less discomfort, to give less injury to the vessel wall and thus prevent the antibiotic from going into the tissues and causing damage.

Question 3

is vancomycin sulfur-based?

Accepted Answer

Sulfur in vancomycin: Look up in wikipedia and if you see an S in the diagram of the structure.

Question 4

how effective is vancomycin for treating meningitis?

Accepted Answer

For bacteria: In the case of susceptible bacteria Vancomycin can be very effective.  It will only treat the susceptible bacteria.  It is not effective against non bacterial infections.

Question 5

do you need a prescription for vancomycin?

Accepted Answer

Yes: in any form it needs a prescription

Question 6

how dangerous is the rash from vancomycin?

Accepted Answer

It all depends: Most drug reactions are very benign and only cause a rash and itching. It goes away when you stop the medicine. However, sometimes, you may have a severe reaction that acts like a third degree burn. This is called steven johnsons syndrome. This is very dangerous and needs  immediate medical attention. Many times the first sign of this reaction is blisters in your mouth or nose.

Question 7

what microorganisms will vancomycin kill?

Accepted Answer

Mainly Staph: It's used to treat gram positive bacteria, especially staph. The oral version is used to treat clostridium difficult infection.

Question 8

what are the side effects of vancomycin antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Several: Can affect the kidney and intestines and other parts of the body.

Question 9

how does vancomycin affect the gut microbiome? thank you?

Accepted Answer

: Vancomycin taken by mouth gives significant concentration to kill bacteria like Clostridium difficile  which causes enterocolitis(small intestine and large intestine inflammation),some times other bacteriae like staphylococcus aureus causing enterocolitis. Injection form of vancomycin doesn't get enough concentration in the gut to kill the bacteriae.

Question 10

how long am i contagious after starting vancomycin for c diff?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on if your symptoms totally resolve on the vancomycin. Generally 10 to 14 days. However some people are carriers and have no symptoms. 
Get a stool check when you feel better to answer this question totally.

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Doctor answers about:

What is vancomycin allergy

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How can you tell if you have a vancomycin allergy?

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Why i.v. injection of vancomycin is given slowly?

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Is vancomycin sulfur-based?

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How effective is vancomycin for treating meningitis?

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Do you need a prescription for vancomycin?

A member asked:

How dangerous is the rash from vancomycin?

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What microorganisms will vancomycin kill?

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What are the side effects of vancomycin antibiotics?

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How does vancomycin affect the gut microbiome? thank you?

A member asked:

How long am i contagious after starting vancomycin for c diff?

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