Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Vancomycin as follows:
- Compliance with blood work ordered to monitor serum potassium and magnesium ions is mandatory, as Vancomycin in individuals with disturbances in serum potassium and magnesium ions can induce life-threatening cardiac arrest.
- Evenly space out the doses of the antibiotic and take the dose at the scheduled time every day. Keeping to the schedule helps with maintaining a constant level of the antibiotic in the body, which is needed for infection control. Also, this helps to avoid forgetting the medication.
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of Vancomycin as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. The dose and length of treatment depends upon the medical condition, severity of infection, and response to treatment.
- Complete the course of the antibiotic that it was prescribed for. Do not give up on the antibiotic, against your doctor’s recommendation, even if the symptoms of infection are controlled.
