Anti-infectives (Glycopeptides)

Question 1

Examples of drug (Glycopeptides)

Answer 1

• Vancomycin

Question 2

Mechanism of action (Glycopeptides)

Answer 2

• Bactericidal, inhibiting cell-wall synthesis in Gram positive bacteria.

Question 3

Indications (Glycopeptides)

Answer 3

• Severe gram positive infections
• MRSA
• Severe Clostridium difficile infection

Question 4

Side effects (Glycopeptides)

Answer 4

• Fever
• Rash
• Local phlebitis at site of injection
• Nephrotoxicity (age-related risk; 6% of patients >65 years, 3% of patients <65 years on oral vancomycin)
• Ototoxicity (Rare)
• Blood disorders, including neutropenia
• Anaphylactoid reaction “red-man syndrome” if infusion rate too fast

Question 5

Important pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (Glycopeptides)

Answer 5

• Can either be given as a continuous intravenous infusion or as a pulsed infusion regimen
• ## Long duration of action, can be given every 12 hours.Therapeutic drug-monitoring should be undertaken as Vancomycin has a narrow therapeutic range.

Question 6

Patient information (Glycopeptides)

Answer 6

• Risk of kidney damage.
• Patients should report any changes in hearing.
• Regular blood tests required for monitoring.