Ctrl

K

Vancomycin

Oral
Intravenous
Class
Antibiotics
Subclass
Glycopeptides
Generic name
Vancomycin hydrochloride
Brand names
Vancocin®
Common formulations
Capsule
Dosage and administration
Adults patients
Diarrhea • Caused by C. difficile
•
125 mg PO QID for 10 days
Staphylococcal enterocolitis
•
500-2,000 mg PO daily, in 3-4 divided doses for 7-10 days
Other off-label uses
•
Prevention of C. difficile infection
Indications for use
Labeled indications
Adults
•
Treatment of diarrhea (caused by C. difficile)
•
Treatment of staphylococcal enterocolitis
Off-label indications
Adults
•
Prevention of C. difficile infection
Safety risks
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to vancomycin or its components
Warnings and precautions
Nephrotoxicity
•
Use extreme caution in patients with renal impairment, especially in geriatric patients.
Ototoxicity
•
Maintain a high level of suspicion, as vancomycin has been associated with an increased risk of ototoxicity, especially in patients with underlying hearing loss, renal impairment, older patients, or those receiving higher doses or concomitant therapy with another ototoxic agent, such as aminoglycosides. Consider obtaining serial auditory function tests to minimize the risk of ototoxicity.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis, DRESS syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, linear IgA bullous dermatosis
•
Use caution in all patients.
Specific populations
Renal impairment
eGFR 0-90 mL/min/1.73 m²
•
Use acceptable. No dose adjustment required. Monitor serum concentrations.
Renal replacement therapy
Any modality
•
Use acceptable. No dose adjustment required. Monitor serum concentrations.
Hepatic impairment
Any severity
•
No guidance available.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
All trimesters • Australia Category: B2
•
Use only if clearly needed. If treatment is necessary, some experts recommend close monitoring of maternal blood to reduce the risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity in the fetus.
•
Pregnant patients may require higher doses to achieve therapeutic concentrations.
Breastfeeding
Acceptable for use during breastfeeding.
Unknown drug levels in breastfed infants.
Adverse reactions
Very common > 10%
•
↓ blood neutrophil count, ↓ serum potassium, abdominal pain, nausea
Common 1-10%
•
Peripheral edema, renal failure, back pain, fatigue, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, infection, headache
Unknown frequency
•
Agranulocytosis, anaphylaxis, exfoliative dermatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS syndrome, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis, Clostridioides difficile infection, anemia, visual disturbances, ↑ blood eosinophil count, hearing loss, loss of balance, cardiac arrest, infusion-related reactions, hypotension, skin erythema, phlebitis, wheezing, ↓ platelet count, constipation, repeated infections, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, skin flushing, urticaria, injection site reactions, skin rash, chills, insomnia, paresthesia, itching, tachycardia, dyspnea, depression, ↑ serum creatinine, interstitial nephritis, vasculitis
Interactions
Drug(s)
Check Interactions
Reset

What did you think about this content?

Create free account

Sign up for free to access the full drug resource