Compare Vancocin vs. daptomycin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Vancocin (vancomycin)

Prescription only

Cubicin (daptomycin)

Prescription only
Treats bacterial infections.

Vancocin (vancomycin) is effective in treating C. difficile-associated diarrhea or Staph infection of the small intestine and colon.

Treats bacterial infections.

Cubicin (daptomycin) is an antibiotic that's usually only given in the hospital for serious infections. It can be given at home, but you will have to be taught how to inject it correctly.

Upsides
  • Vancocin (vancomycin) is the first choice medicine to treat C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
  • Available in generic.
  • Available as both a capsule and a liquid.
  • Cubicin (daptomycin) is good at treating severe and complicated bacterial infections.
  • It is able to kill bacteria that have resistance to other antibiotics.
  • Most people who take Cubicin (daptomycin) have few side effects.
  • You usually only need to take it once a day.
Downsides
  • Vancocin (vancomycin) is only given by mouth to treat C. difficile-associated diarrhea or Staph infection of the small intestine and colon. It is not effective for other types of infections.
  • Vancocin (vancomycin) must be taken 3 to 4 times a day.
  • Cubicin (daptomycin) is usually only given for extremely serious infections that haven't responded to other antibiotics.
  • Cubicin (daptomycin) can cause muscle aches and weakness, which can lead to kidney problems.
  • You might need to have more blood tests done while taking Cubicin (daptomycin).
  • Like most antibiotics, it is common to have diarrhea when taking this medicine.
  • While Cubicin (daptomycin) is generic, it is usually very expensive.
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Used for
  • Clostridium difficile diarrhea
  • Staphylococcal infection of small intestine and colon
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$78.50
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Reviews
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Side effects
13possible side effects
  • Nausea
    17%
  • Abdominal pain
    15%
  • Low potassium levels
    13%
  • Vomiting
    9%
  • Diarrhea
    9%
  • Fever
    9%
  • Gas
    8%
  • Urinary tract infection
    8%
  • Headache
    7%
  • Swelling
    6%
  • Back pain
    6%
  • Fatigue
    5%
  • Kidney problems
    5%
See more detailed side effects
9possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Headache
    5%
  • Rash
    4%
  • Abnormal liver tests
    3%
  • Muscle damage
    3%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Urinary tract infection
    2%
  • Low blood pressure
    2%
  • Shortness of breath
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Oral use only
  • Kidney problems
    • Age 65 and older
    • Kidney problems
    • Kidney disease
    • Hemodialysis
  • New infection
  • Hearing loss
    • Underlying hearing loss
    • Taking high doses of Vancocin (vancomycin) intravenously
    • Using another medicine that causes hearing loss
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Allergic reaction
    • Allergy to antibiotics
  • Muscle pain & kidney damage
    • History of kidney problems
    • Taking statins to lower cholesterol
  • Pneumonia
    • Taking Cubicin (daptomycin) for at least 2 to 4 weeks
  • Nerve damage
  • Diarrhea
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Vancocin (vancomycin)
Learn more about Cubicin (daptomycin)