Vancomycin Flashcards Preview

Pharmacology - Antibiotics and Infection > Vancomycin > Flashcards

Flashcards in Vancomycin Deck (10)
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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