Vancomycin

Products

Vancomycin is commercially available as an injectable and in capsule form (Vancocin, generics). It was discovered in 1957 in soil samples from a jungle in Borneo and has been approved in many countries since 1959.

Structure and properties

Vancomycin is present in drugs as vancomycin hydrochloride (C₆₆H₇₆Cl₃N₉O₂₄, M_r = 1486 g/mol) is present, a white, hygroscopic powder that is readily soluble in water. The substance is obtained from certain strains of or prepared by other methods. Vancomycin is poorly absorbed orally and therefore must be administered parenterally for systemic infections.

Effects

Vancomycin (ATC J01XA01) has bactericidal properties against many Gram-positive pathogens, for example, staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci, and . The effects are based on inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. The half-life is between 4 to 6 hours.

Indications

For treatment of bacterial infectious diseases, for example with staphylococci.

Dosage

According to the SmPC. The drug is usually administered as an intravenous infusion. Capsules are also available for peroral therapy of intestinal infections (staphylococcal enterocolitis, antibiotic-induced pseudomembranous enterocolitis caused by ).

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Interactions

• Ototoxic, neurotoxic, nephrotoxic antibiotics.
• Narcotics (anesthetics).
• Muscle relaxants

Adverse effects

Possible adverse effects include:

• Neutropenia
• Hypersensitivity reactions, infusion reactions.
• Deterioration of hearing function, ototoxicity.
• Drop in blood pressure with rapid injection
• Nausea, pseudomembranous colitis
• Renal dysfunction