Vancomycin Flashcards
1
Q
What are common indications for the use of vancomycin?
A
- Endocarditis
- Antibiotic resistant colitis
- MRSA
2
Q
What organisms does vancomycin target?
A
Gram-positive organisms
3
Q
What is the mechanism of action of vancomycin?
A
Inhibits growth and cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, inhbiting synthesis of cell wall of gram positive bacteria
4
Q
What are the most important side effects of vancomycin?
A
- Thrombophlebitis
- Anaphalactoid reactions
- Allergy
- Nephrotoxicity
- Ototoxicity
- Blood disorders - neutropenia, thrombocytopenia
5
Q
What drugs can vancomycin interact with?
A
- Aminoglycosides
- Loop diuretics
- Ciclosporin
6
Q
How is vancomycin normally administered?
A
IV - very poor at crossing lipid membranes
7
Q
When would vancomycin be given orally?
A
C. diff infections
8
Q
Why must vancomycin be given slowly IV?
A
To avoid analphylactoid reaction
9
Q
What is the therapeutic range for vancomycin?
A
10-15 mg/L
10
Q
How would you monitor vancomycin?
A
- Measure trough levels, and adjust vancomycin dose to maintain in therapeutic range
- Signs and symptoms
- Blood markers - CRP, WCC
- Daily U+E’s and FBC
