Vancomycin: uses, side effects & brands

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed 5 November 2026

Vancomycin treats resistant gram-positive infections such as MRSA. It belongs to the Hospital / strong antibiotic (injectable) group. These powerful antibiotics are used in hospital for serious or resistant infections.

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Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor

Measure	Range
Drug class	Hospital / strong antibiotic (injectable)
Type	Prescription
Dose	Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist

What it is used for

Treats serious infections caused by MRSA and other resistant gram-positive bacteria
Treats severe skin, bone, blood and heart-valve infections
Taken by mouth to treat C. difficile bowel infection
Used when penicillins cannot be given because of allergy

Common brand names

India: Vancocin, Vancomax
Worldwide: Vancocin

Common side effects

Flushing and itchy rash on the upper body if infused too fast
Pain or swelling at the drip site
Kidney effects
Nausea

Before taking it — precautions

Blood levels and kidney function are checked during injected treatment
Tell your doctor about kidney or hearing problems
Tell your doctor about other medicines that affect the kidneys

When to see a doctor urgently

Severe flushing, rash, low blood pressure or breathing trouble during the drip (urgent)
Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
Much less urine, or a severe blistering rash (urgent)

Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of vancomycin depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.

Frequently asked questions

Why is vancomycin given slowly?

A fast drip can cause flushing and a red rash on the upper body, so it is infused slowly.

Why is it sometimes taken by mouth?

By mouth it stays in the gut and treats C. difficile diarrhoea; it does not treat infections elsewhere that way.

Why are blood levels checked?

Checking levels helps make sure the dose works while protecting the kidneys.

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Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.