What Are The Side Effects Of Vancomycin?

Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 Answered on

Tue, 8 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My father was diagnosed with c difficile today. He has been ill for about a week. The doctor prescribed vancomycin. He has read the web and is very upset that he may get recurrences and it will ruin the rest of his life. He is 80 and has Parkinson's. He also has a significant hearing loss and I read that vancomycin can cause hearing damage or even loss. I would like him to see a specialist so that he can be treated and hopefully not have another bout. My question is should he see a GI physician or an infectious disease specialist? He has not taken an antibiotic for many years and lives at home with my mother. I read that colon cancer can cause this. Should he have a colonoscopy or other tests? Are there any products he should be using to cleanse himself, his bathroom or launder clothes? Is there anything else he or his family should do?

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Too early to rush seeing an infectious disease specialist

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

It is true that Vancomycin could lead to the side effects you just described. However, the duration and dosage of Vancomycin treatment with C. difficile infection are very unlikely to cause serious damage. I suggest being watchful with regards to any potential complaints when he starts taking the drug. Seeing an infectious disease specialist at this point in time in my opinion is too early. He deserves more holistic care at this age and I think his GP is better placed. In case he would deserve some specialized opinion, his GP for sure might not hesitate. Going through his GP would also inform the specialist better with regards to his past medical history and certain specifics that might be useful upfront for the specialist.

It is a good idea to get a colonoscopy done for his age. However, starting with testing occult blood in the stool could a good starting point to screen for colon cancer. Though not 100% sensitive, coupled with some clinical information could be useful. Doing a colonoscopy however is a good idea.

I suggest appropriate physical exercise like walking for his age, a balanced diet and especially vegetable rich are the most essential things he needs. Encouraging him to drink lots of water too is very helpful.

In my opinion, family support especially psychologically and love are key at this age. Letting him do the activities of his choice (TV, reading, traveling and vacation) to me are very helpful.

Thanks and kind regards as I wish him the very best of health.

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina