Vancomycin Ear Solution

Vancomycin is an antibiotic that kills certain bacteria by blocking the building of their protective outer wall. When used in the ear, it works mainly where it is placed, so it can help lower the amount of bacteria in the ear canal or nearby tissue. Some people may notice less drainage, pain, or irritation within a few days, but the full benefit depends on the type and severity of the infection. It is important to finish the full treatment time prescribed, because stopping too early may allow bacteria to remain and the infection may come back.

Do not use if you are allergic to vancomycin or any ingredient in the compounded solution. Do not use if your healthcare provider has not confirmed that this product is appropriate for your ear condition. Do not use in the eye, by mouth, or by injection. Do not use if you have severe ear pain, bleeding from the ear, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or a known hole in the eardrum unless your ear specialist specifically tells you to use it, because some ear products may worsen irritation or injury in these situations. Tell your provider before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, have kidney disease, hearing problems, or are using other ear medicines.

Because this medicine is placed in the ear, whole-body drug interactions are expected to be lower than with oral or injected vancomycin, but interactions can still matter in some cases. Use caution with other medicines that may affect hearing or kidneys, especially aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin or tobramycin, loop water pills such as furosemide, and some strong antibiotics given by mouth or injection; the risk is more important if the eardrum is not intact or if you are also receiving vancomycin another way. Using other ear drops at the same time may change how well this medicine works or increase irritation, so ask your provider how to space them apart. There are no known food interactions with ear use. Alcohol does not directly interact, but heavy alcohol use may slow healing and worsen dehydration if you are ill.

Common side effects may include mild burning, stinging, fullness in the ear, itching, bad taste in the throat after use, or temporary mild irritation at the application site. These effects are often short-lived and may improve as your ear adjusts to treatment. Less common side effects include worsening redness, rash, increased drainage, headache, or discomfort that does not go away. Rare but serious reactions can include allergic reaction with swelling, hives, trouble breathing, severe rash, worsening hearing, ringing in the ears, severe dizziness, or balance problems. Stop using the medication and get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction or sudden hearing changes.

Store as directed on the pharmacy label. In general, compounded ear solutions are often kept refrigerated at 36-46 degrees F / 2-8 degrees C unless your pharmacist tells you otherwise. Keep the container tightly closed and protect it from heat, direct light, and contamination. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Because this is a compounded medication, use it only until the beyond-use date on the label, then discard any remaining product through your pharmacy if possible.