Vancomycin is an antibiotic. Oral (taken by mouth) vancomycin fights bacteria in the intestines. Vancomycin is used to treat an infection of the intestines caused by Clostridium difficile, which can cause watery or bloody diarrhea.

When is vancomycin given orally?

Vancomycin, when taken by mouth, is used to treat Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (also called C diff). C diff is a type of bacteria that causes severe diarrhea. Oral vancomycin is also used to treat enterocolitis caused by a certain bacteria (eg, Staphylococcus aureus).

Can vancomycin injection be given orally?

Vancomycin injection can be used to prepare a solution for oral or nasogastric administration for patients with difficulties in swallowing (see instructions below).