From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
If someone develops a swollen hand while taking oral vancomycin, they should seek immediate medical attention as this could indicate an allergic reaction or other serious adverse effect. While oral vancomycin primarily stays in the gut and is not well absorbed into the bloodstream, systemic reactions can still occur 1. The patient should not stop the medication without medical guidance but should contact their healthcare provider or go to an emergency department promptly. When seeking care, they should bring their medication with them and be prepared to describe when the swelling started, any other symptoms (like rash, difficulty breathing, or fever), and their complete medication history. Hand swelling could represent angioedema, a potentially serious allergic reaction that may progress rapidly 2. Healthcare providers will evaluate whether the swelling is related to vancomycin or has another cause, and they may recommend discontinuing the medication, prescribing antihistamines or steroids, or suggesting an alternative antibiotic depending on the original reason for treatment. Some key points to consider include:
- Vancomycin can cause a variety of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, rash, and angioedema 3
- The most common adverse effects of vancomycin are hypotension, phlebitis, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, red man syndrome, neutropenia, chills, fever, and interstitial nephritis 4
- Vancomycin dosing, monitoring, and toxicity are critical aspects of clinical practice, particularly in patients with sepsis or septic shock 5 It is essential to prioritize the patient's safety and take immediate action to address any potential allergic reactions or adverse effects.