Vancomycin

Question 1

Question: What is the bactericidal activity of vancomycin?
Answer: Vancomycin is bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria, and it primarily targets aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria.

Question: Which specific Gram-positive bacteria are effectively targeted by vancomycin?
Answer: Vancomycin is effective against multi-resistant staphylococci, making it crucial for treating certain staphylococcal infections.

Question: Are there any concerns about bacterial resistance to glycopeptides like vancomycin?
Answer: Yes, there are reports of Staphylococcus aureus with reduced susceptibility to glycopeptides like vancomycin, and an increasing number of cases of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci.

Question: How does vancomycin perform in terms of penetration into cerebrospinal fluid?
Answer: Vancomycin has poor penetration into cerebrospinal fluid, which limits its effectiveness in treating infections in the central nervous system.

Answer 1

Question: What is the bactericidal activity of vancomycin?
Answer: Vancomycin is bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria, and it primarily targets aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria.

Question: Which specific Gram-positive bacteria are effectively targeted by vancomycin?
Answer: Vancomycin is effective against multi-resistant staphylococci, making it crucial for treating certain staphylococcal infections.

Question: Are there any concerns about bacterial resistance to glycopeptides like vancomycin?
Answer: Yes, there are reports of Staphylococcus aureus with reduced susceptibility to glycopeptides like vancomycin, and an increasing number of cases of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci.

Question: How does vancomycin perform in terms of penetration into cerebrospinal fluid?
Answer: Vancomycin has poor penetration into cerebrospinal fluid, which limits its effectiveness in treating infections in the central nervous system.

Question 2

Question: What is an important precaution when using vancomycin?
Answer: Vancomycin is a high-risk drug, and it’s crucial to measure Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) before each dose.

Question: Which parameters should be monitored while a patient is on vancomycin?
Answer: While on vancomycin, regular monitoring of renal function (CrCl), Full Blood Count (FBC), and auditory function is necessary.

Question: What are the potential side effects of vancomycin?
Answer: Vancomycin can cause ototoxicity (hearing impairment) and nephrotoxicity (kidney damage). It may also lead to “Red Man Syndrome,” characterized by a red rash on the upper body and face. Additionally, healthcare providers should look for signs of blood disorders and sore throat in patients taking vancomycin.

Answer 2

Question: What is an important precaution when using vancomycin?
Answer: Vancomycin is a high-risk drug, and it’s crucial to measure Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) before each dose.

Question: Which parameters should be monitored while a patient is on vancomycin?
Answer: While on vancomycin, regular monitoring of renal function (CrCl), Full Blood Count (FBC), and auditory function is necessary.

Question: What are the potential side effects of vancomycin?
Answer: Vancomycin can cause ototoxicity (hearing impairment) and nephrotoxicity (kidney damage). It may also lead to “Red Man Syndrome,” characterized by a red rash on the upper body and face. Additionally, healthcare providers should look for signs of blood disorders and sore throat in patients taking vancomycin.

Question 3

Unlicensed use

Answer 3

Vancomycin doses in BNF Publications may differ from those in product literature.

Use of vancomycin (added to dialysis fluid) for the treatment of peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis is an unlicensed route.

Question 4

Contra-indications

Answer 4

previous hearing loss

Question 5

Cautions

Answer 5

With oral use
Systemic absorption may be enhanced in patients with inflammatory disorders of the intestinal mucosa or with Clostridioides difficile-induced pseudomembranous colitis (increased risk of adverse reactions)