Vancomycin Hydrochloride
Generic Details
Generic Name
Vancomycin Hydrochloride
Other Names
- Vancocin
Drug Class
- Glycopeptide Antibiotic
Chemical Formula
C66H75Cl2N9O24
Molecular Weight
1449.26 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibition of cell wall synthesis in bacteria
Indications
- Treatment of serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria
Common Dosage Forms
- Powder for Injection
Typical Dosage
- Adults: 500 mg-2 g every 6-12 hours intravenously
Pediatric Dosage
- 10-15 mg/kg/dose every 6 hours intravenously
Geriatric Dosage
- Dosing based on renal function
Side Effects
- Nephrotoxicity
- Ototoxicity
- Red man syndrome
- Thrombophlebitis
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to vancomycin
Pregnancy Category
- Category C
Lactation Safety
- Not recommended during breastfeeding
Drug Interactions
- Aminoglycosides
- Anesthetics
- Nephrotoxic drugs
Overdose Symptoms
- Kidney damage
- Hearing loss
- Low blood pressure
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote, manage symptoms
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature below 25°C (77°F)
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Poor oral bioavailability, must be given intravenously
- Distribution: Widely distributed in the body including bone
- Metabolism: Not significantly metabolized
- Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged in urine
Precautions
- Monitor renal function during therapy
- Monitor blood levels
Warnings
- Risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity
Others
- Vancomycin is often used in the treatment of resistant infections such as MRSA