Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic with bactericidal activity.
It is active against gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Vancomycin is less effective than beta-lactams against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).
Vancomycin exhibits time-dependent killing: its effect depends primarily upon the time the concentration exceeds the organism’s Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).
Infectious Diseases consultation is strongly encouraged.
When managing a severe Staphylococcus aureus infection (e.g. bacteremia).
These guidelines pertain to IV vancomycin only; they do not apply to PO vancomycin, which is not absorbed.
Ensure that an adequate mg/kg dose and appropriate interval are ordered initially.