Drug interactions
Bcg vaccine live + Vancomycin
Severity: Minor
Bcg vaccine live and Vancomycin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Live BCG is a viable mycobacterial vaccine. Vancomycin is a glycopeptide with no useful activity against BCG and is poorly absorbed orally, so no meaningful effect on vaccine response is expected.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bcg vaccine live and Vancomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
No established mechanism; vancomycin lacks activity against BCG.
What to do
No delay or change is needed; vaccinate according to the schedule unless the patient is acutely and severely ill.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Vancomycin
- Amikacin + Vancomycin Major
- Bacitracin + Vancomycin Major
- Capreomycin + Vancomycin Major
- Cephaloridine + Vancomycin Major
- Cidofovir + Vancomycin Major
- Cisplatin + Vancomycin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bcg vaccine live with Vancomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Bcg vaccine live and Vancomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Live BCG is a viable mycobacterial vaccine. Vancomycin is a glycopeptide with no useful activity against BCG and is poorly absorbed orally, so no meaningful effect on vaccine response is expected.
How serious is the interaction between Bcg vaccine live and Vancomycin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No delay or change is needed; vaccinate according to the schedule unless the patient is acutely and severely ill.
What other medicines interact with Vancomycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vancomycin with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin, Capreomycin. The full list is on the Vancomycin page.
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