Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections caused by gram-positive organisms, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is considered a last-line antibiotic for many life-threatening infections.
The oral form is primarily used to treat Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections, staphylococcal enterocolitis, and pseudomembranous colitis. The IV form is used for systemic infections including endocarditis, septicemia, bone infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and lower respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible organisms.
Vancomycin is available as the brand names Vancocin (capsules) and Firvanq (oral solution), as well as multiple generic formulations from manufacturers like Pfizer/Hospira, Fresenius Kabi, Hikma, Xellia, and Baxter.
Vancomycin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of peptidoglycan precursors in the bacterial cell wall, which prevents the polymerization and cross-linking steps needed to build a strong cell wall. Without a functional cell wall, the bacteria become structurally weak and ultimately die.
This mechanism makes Vancomycin effective only against gram-positive bacteria. Importantly, oral Vancomycin is poorly absorbed (less than 10% bioavailability), which is why the oral form works locally in the gut for C. diff infections but cannot treat systemic infections. The IV form must be used for bloodstream, bone, heart valve, and other systemic infections.
Vancomycin currently has a findability score of 40 out of 100, meaning it can be difficult to locate — especially the IV (injection) form. The FDA and ASHP have listed Vancomycin injection as being in active shortage since 2023, with supply constraints continuing into 2025–2026 across multiple manufacturers including Fresenius Kabi, Pfizer/Hospira, and Hikma.
Oral Vancomycin capsules and Firvanq oral solution are generally easier to find, though some pharmacies may experience intermittent stock issues. If you're struggling to find Vancomycin in stock, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy near you that has it available.
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Vancomycin is most commonly prescribed by:
Vancomycin is not typically prescribed via telehealth, as IV administration requires in-person clinical settings, and oral Vancomycin for C. diff usually requires confirmed lab diagnosis.
No, Vancomycin is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. It is a prescription antibiotic that requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider but does not carry the additional restrictions associated with controlled substances.
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:
If Vancomycin is unavailable or not appropriate, your doctor may consider these alternatives:
Vancomycin has several important drug interactions, particularly with other medications that affect the kidneys or hearing:
No significant food interactions. Oral Vancomycin can be taken with or without food.
Vancomycin remains one of the most critical antibiotics in modern medicine, especially for treating MRSA and C. difficile infections. However, the ongoing shortage of the IV formulation — persisting since 2023 — has made it challenging for hospitals and patients to secure consistent supply.
If you or a loved one needs Vancomycin and your pharmacy is out of stock, Medfinder can help you search for nearby pharmacies that currently have it available. For the oral form, generic capsules with discount coupons can bring costs down to as low as $39 for a full course. Always work with your prescribing physician to explore alternatives if Vancomycin is temporarily unavailable.
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