Only indication is in the treatment of C. difficile infection.
Possibility of accumulation in severe renal dysfunction.
Oral/rectal therapy: serum sample monitoring not typically required. Some systemic absorption of enteral vancomycin may occur in patients with renal failure who have mucosal disruption from colitis. Monitoring serum vancomycin levels may be considered for these patients with renal failure who have severe colitis and require a prolonged course of enteral vancomycin.
Bile acid sequestrants may diminish the therapeutic effects of vancomycin. Avoid concurrent administration when possible. If use of both agents is necessary, separate doses by at least 2 hours to minimize significant interaction.
No systemic absorption.
May increase vancomycin resistant Enterococci colonization in the gut.
Antimicrobial class: Glycopeptide
Pregnancy category: B
Average serum half life: 0 hours
Biliary penetration: None
CSF penetration: None
Lung penetration: None
Urine penetration: None