SUMMARY CMI
VANCOMYCIN BAXTER
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using VANCOMYCIN BAXTER?
VANCOMYCIN BAXTER contains the active ingredient Vancomycin hydrochloride. Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria (germs).
For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using VANCOMYCIN BAXTER? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use VANCOMYCIN BAXTER?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to VANCOMYCIN BAXTER, to other similar medicines or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use VANCOMYCIN BAXTER? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with vancomycin and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
4. How do I use VANCOMYCIN BAXTER?
- Your doctor will decide the appropriate dose for you.
- A doctor or nurse will usually prepare and administer the injection or infusion.
- Follow all instructions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist.
More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use VANCOMYCIN BAXTER? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while using VANCOMYCIN BAXTER?
Things you should do |
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Driving or using machines |
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Looking after your medicine |
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For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using VANCOMYCIN BAXTER? in the full CMI.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
FULL CMI
VANCOMYCIN BAXTER
Active ingredient(s): vancomycin hydrochloride
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using VANCOMYCIN BAXTER. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using VANCOMYCIN BAXTER.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using VANCOMYCIN BAXTER?
2. What should I know before I use VANCOMYCIN BAXTER?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use VANCOMYCIN BAXTER?
5. What should I know while using VANCOMYCIN BAXTER?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details
1. Why am I using VANCOMYCIN BAXTER?
VANCOMYCIN BAXTER contains the active ingredient vancomycin hydrochloride. Vancomycin is an antibiotic which helps your body fight serious or severe infections by eliminating certain bacteria that cause infections.
VANCOMYCIN BAXTER is used for:
- Severe staphylococcal infections
- Endocarditis, an infection that causes inflammation of the lining of the heart
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Septicaemia (infection of the blood)
- Infection of the skin
- Infections in the intestines
2. What should I know before I use VANCOMYCIN BAXTER?
Warnings
Do not use VANCOMYCIN BAXTER if:
- you are allergic to vancomycin, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
- Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Check with your doctor if you:
- have any other medical conditions
- take any medicines for any other condition
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or think you might be, your doctor will not use this medicine unless it is clearly necessary as it is not known whether it will cause any harmful effects when used during pregnancy. You should always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using any medicine if you are pregnant or think you might be.
This medicine is found in breast milk, but it is not known whether it is harmful to the newborn. Therefore, it is not recommended if you are breast-feeding.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you are given this medicine.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and vancomycin may interfere with each other. These include:
- antibiotics, such as neomycin, gentamicin, amikacin, bacitracin, tobramycin, colistin or viomycin
- antifungal medicines, such as amphotericin B (amphotericin)
- cisplatin, an anticancer medicine
- fluid tablets (diuretics), such as etacrynic acid and furosemide (frusemide)
- anaesthetic agents
- colestyramine, a powder taken to lower cholesterol levels
- suxamethonium or vecuronium, medicines used to relax muscles.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect VANCOMYCIN BAXTER.
4. How do I use VANCOMYCIN BAXTER?
How much to use
- For adults the usual intravenous dose is 500 milligrams every 6 hours or 1000mg every 12 hours. A 500 mg milligram dose of vancomycin should be infused over a period of at least 60 minutes, whereas a 1000 milligram dose should be administered over a period of at least two hours.
- If given orally, the dose for adults is 500 mg to 2 g given in 3 or 4 divided doses for 7 to 10 days. The total daily dosage in children is 40 mg/kg of body weight in 3 or 4 divided doses. The total dose for children should not exceed 2 grams per day.
- Your doctor will decide how much of this medicine you will be given and for how long.
- If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, bask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
If you forget to use VANCOMYCIN BAXTER
If you miss a dose of VANCOMYCIN BAXTER, you should be given the dose as soon as possible. Your doctor will adjust your dosing schedule to ensure the appropriate time between doses.
If you use too much VANCOMYCIN BAXTER
As this medicine is given to you under the supervision of your doctor, it is very unlikely that you will receive too much. However, if you experience any side effects after being given it, tell your doctor immediately.
If you think that you have used too much VANCOMYCIN BAXTER, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
- phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling 13 11 26), or - contact your doctor, or
- go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while using VANCOMYCIN BAXTER?
Things you should do
If the medicine starts to upset you or your symptoms become worse, tell your doctor. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment with this medicine.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using VANCOMYCIN BAXTER.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how VANCOMYCIN BAXTER affects you.
Looking after your medicine
VANCOMYCIN BAXTER will be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward. The injection is kept in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C.
When to discard your medicine
Do not use this medicine if the expiry date printed on the pack has passed.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will dispose of any leftover medicine.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
Less serious side effects | What to do |
| Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you. |
Serious side effects
Serious side effects | What to do |
| Call your doctor or nurse straight away if you notice any of these serious side effects. |
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What VANCOMYCIN BAXTER contains
Active ingredient (main ingredient) | Vancomycin hydrochloride |
Other ingredients (inactive ingredients) | sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid |
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What VANCOMYCIN BAXTER looks like
VANCOMYCIN BAXTER powder for injection is a white to tan powder or porous cake. When it is reconstituted in water, it is a clear solution.
VANCOMYCIN BAXTER is available as
500 mg: 10 vials per pack (AUST R 391511)
1 g: 10 vials per pack (AUST R 391510)
Who distributes VANCOMYCIN BAXTER
Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd
1 Baxter Drive
OLD TOONGABBIE NSW 2146
AUSTRALIA
This leaflet was prepared in June 2022.
Published by MIMS February 2025