Guidelines
General Information

General Information

Vancomycin Activity

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).

Guideline Use

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.

  • Adjust the dose if necessary immediately; do not wait for a confirmatory trough level.