Vancomycin

Vancomycin is an intravenous antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis in gram positive organisms. It is often used to treat serious infections which are not susceptible to other antibiotics. Once known as "Mississippi Mud", Vancomycin got a name for itself for all of its side effects, most prominently renal failure. Since its introduction in the 1958, the production of Vancomycin has improved and it is now much more pure.

Vanc is usually dosed 1 gram every 12 hours in a normal weight patient with good kidney function. Dose increases with increased weight and decreases with diminished kidney function. Vanc levels are monitored with trough levels. The lowest concentration you should get for best antibiotic coverage is 15-20 mg/L. Too low a trough may lead to some bacteria surviving and cause resistance. Too high a trough can lead to acute renal failure.

Vancomycin can also be given orally, but only in Clostridium difficile colitis. In this instance, vanc is not systemically absorbed but instead stays within the gastrointestinal system, treating the infection.