Generic
Vancomycin
12 brands available in the market
At a glance
Vancomycin is an antibiotic used in the treatment of severe bacterial infections in hospitalized patients. It is effective against infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and soft tissues, bones and joints, heart, blood and others.
Description
Vancomycin binds tightly to D-alanyl-D-alanine portion cell wall precursor causing blockage of glycopeptide polymerisation which produces immediate inhibition of cell wall synthesis and secondary damage to the cytoplasmic membrane.
Indications
- Severe bacterial infections
- Staphylococcal infections
- Endocarditis
- Pneumonia
- Osteomyelitis
- Septicemia
- Soft tissue infections
Pharmacological class
Glycopeptide Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Vancomycin binds tightly to D-alanyl-D-alanine portion cell wall precursor causing blockage of glycopeptide polymerisation which produces immediate inhibition of cell wall synthesis and secondary damage to the cytoplasmic membrane.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits cell wall synthesis, killing bacteria.
Dosage
Adult Dose (IV):
- Severe staphylococcal or other Gram-positive infections, Endocarditis: 500 mg every 6 hours, infused over at least 60 min; or 1 g every 12 hours, infused over at least 100 min
- Normal renal function: 2 gm daily (in 4 or 2 divided doses)
- Renal impairment: Dosage adjustment based on creatinine clearance
Child Dose (IV):
- 1 month: 10 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours; individual dose not to exceed 1 g
- Children: 40 mg/kg total daily dose in 4 divided doses
Administration
- Administered by a doctor or nurse as IV infusion; do not self-administer
- Infuse slowly; rapid infusion can cause hypotension, wheezing, shortness of breath or itching
- Local injection site reactions like pain, swelling, and redness may occur
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Drug interactions
- General anaesthetics: may enhance adverse effects of vancomycin
- Aminoglycosides, polymyxins, ciclosporin, cisplatin and loop diuretics: increased risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity
- Suxamethonium or vecuronium: increased potential of neuromuscular blockade
Food interactions
Consuming alcohol with Vancomycin does not cause any harmful side effects.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to vancomycin
- History of impaired hearing
- IM administration
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Breathlessness
- Decreased blood pressure
- Wheezing
- Renal injury
- Flushing
- Injection site pain, swelling, and redness
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests no significant risk; consult your doctor.
Precautions & warnings
- Does not usually affect ability to drive
- Finish the full course even if you feel better; stopping early may make infection harder to treat
- Administer slowly via IV drip
- Regular monitoring of kidney function and hearing may be done
- Regular blood tests may be needed to check drug levels
- Consult doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding
Pediatric use
Pediatric dosage regimen established (1 month and older)
Geriatric use
Dosage adjustment needed in elderly; serial tests of auditory function and vancomycin blood levels recommended in patients over 60
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution needed; dosage adjustment based on creatinine clearance
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information; consult your doctor
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Hypotension, wheezing, dyspnoea, urticaria, pruritus, flushing, chest pain and muscle spasm.
Treatment: Supportive care; poorly removed by haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Therapeutic class
Other antibacterial preparation
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.