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Drug Guide
 
 

Vancomycin

 
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    Oral / IV
    Vancomycin
    May be used in patients allergic to beta lactams
  • Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis.
  • Microbiology

  • Broad cover against gram positive organisms, including Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Clinical Use

  • Indications
  • Proven MRSA
  • Life-threatening staphylococcal infections
  • Enterococcal endocarditis
  • Adverse Effects
  • Red man syndrome (vancomycin only) - immediate onset (4-10min after start of infusion) of pruritis and erythematous rash involving the face, neck and upper torso. Occurs when vancomycin is administered too rapidly.
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Nausea / vomiting / diarrhoea
  • Nephrotoxicity (rarely)
  • Monitoring

  • To ensure therapeutic levels, check serum concentration before the fourth dose.
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