Vancomycin

Question 1

what type of antibiotic is vancomycin

Answer 1

glycopeptide

Question 2

how does vancomycin work

Answer 2

bactericidal activity against gram positive organisms

Question 3

why can vanc only be given IV

Answer 3

not absorbed by the gut

Question 4

what are the indications for vancomycin

Answer 4

serious proven or suspected MRSA or coag neg staph
infections due to other resistant gram positive organisms
native or prosthetic valve endocarditis
other infections - after consultation with ID physician or microbiologist

Question 5

contraindications

Answer 5

severe burns
ascites
renal failure/ dialysis
pregnancy

Question 6

how is vanc given

Answer 6

with a loading dose and then further maintenance doses given x amount of time after

Question 7

how do you calculate the loading and maintenance dose using the guidelines?

Answer 7

use info (age weight and creatinine) to calculate creatinine clearance of patient and then use table (with creatinine clearance and weight) to find loading dose and maintenance dose