We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

When do Doctors Prescribe a Vancomycin IV?

By Debra Durkee
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Medical professionals prescribe a vancomycin IV for treatment in cases of bacterial infection. Dosing varies, based on the condition and the individual it will be used to treat. Most prescriptions will specify that the drug is to be used well after the symptoms of the condition disappear to ensure that the bacteria are completely out of the person's system before stopping the drug.

A vancomycin IV can be used to treat a number of bacterial infections of the blood, skin, bone, tissues, and organs. Effective against staphylococcus bacteria, it is often prescribed for infections that have spread throughout the entire body. It can also be used for infections in patches of the skin, heart valves, or joints.

Vancomycin is also safe for infants and newborns suffering from bacterial infections. Pneumonia in newborns can be effectively treated with this medication, as can most bacterial infections of the blood, body, and tissues. Medical professionals will typically only administer the drug to pregnant women when absolutely necessary. As it can be passed to an uninfected newborn through breast milk, it should only be used with caution in a woman who is breast-feeding.

Individuals who are diabetic can also be prescribed a vancomycin IV to fight off infections in various parts of the body, including the feet. Infection can also occur after major or minor surgery, and an IV can be given to individuals who are still recovering. It can also be used to fight cases of bacterial meningitis, streptococcus, and pneumonia.

The drug acts over time to kill the bacteria causing the infection in the body. While an IV can be very effective for many infections, it is usually not administered this way for cases of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. In this case, the bacteria have infected the intestines, so the same medication given via an injection and IV drip for other conditions is taken by mouth as a liquid to ensure that it passes through the system and gets into the infected intestines in order to fight the bacteria there.

Healthcare professionals may request blood tests or a change in the normal dosage for individuals who have kidney diseases. As a vancomycin IV may interfere with kidney function, those with kidney problems may not be able to take the medication. It may also cause allergic reactions for some individuals, so medical professionals will typically ask about pre-existing allergies before prescribing.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

By anon330800 — On Apr 18, 2013

My sister who has renal disease was given vancomycin 1500mg to treat a blood infection from a cath in her chest and she developed a serious rash. She had been treated for several days and it was abruptly stopped due to the rash which cleared up. It is a very strong medication that should be used cautiously and only when other antibiotics are not effective.

By bear78 — On Dec 25, 2012

@ankara-- Yea, vancomycin IV can cause fatigue. But it may also be the infection, you're body is actively fighting bacteria right now so you're bound to feel tired.

Vancomycin IV is commonly used at hospitals because a lot of infections can take place at hospital settings, especially with surgical operations. Even though medical personnel work very professionally and everything is hygienic, it's still a hospital with many patients, so infections can be inevitable.

By bluedolphin — On Dec 25, 2012

@ZipLine-- I'm on vancomycin IV as well, for pneumonia.

Just wondering, have you had any side effects from this medicine?

I'm experiencing a lot of fatigue since I've been on it. I can barely get around the house, the fatigue is that bad.

By ZipLine — On Dec 24, 2012

I've been on a vancomycin IV for a few days now. I had surgery recently and I'm suffering from an infection of the incision.

I know this is a really good antibiotic so I'm glad my doctor put me on it. I was really scared about a post-surgery infection and it happened. Hopefully the infection will be cleared up soon before it spreads.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.