Vancomycin

Question 1

What does vancomycin cover?

Answer 1

Broad spectrum gram (+)

Question 2

The site of action of vancomycin in the bacterium is the ______.

Answer 2

Cell membrane (inhibits cross linking)

Question 3

What blood tests typically need to be done when a patient is on vancomycin?

Answer 3

Trough levels

Question 4

What is a common side effect associated with vancomycin?

Answer 4

Kidney disease (more rare now)
Ototoxicity
Red Man Syndrome (rash, flushing)

Question 5

What should typically be done if a patient gets red man syndrome as a result of vancomycin infusion?

Answer 5

Slow down the infusion of subsequent doses. Also, give antihistamines (H1 blockers)

Question 6

When should you consider alternative antibiotics to vancomycin?

Answer 6

When the MIC > 1, consider linezolid or daptomycin

Question 7

What is a common side effect associated with linezolid?

Answer 7

Low platelets

Question 8

Vancomycin administered orally can typically be given for what condition?

Answer 8

C. difficile colitis