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Vancomycin

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Vancomycin

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Vancomycin

Van-tank-mice
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Vancomycin is an antibiotic with similar action to the beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a very important, yet potentially toxic drug that is used in the treatment of serious infections. It is indicated for serious gram positive infections, but can lead to side effects such as ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, thrombophlebitis and red man syndrome.
9 KEY FACTS
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Inhibits Bacterial Cell Wall Synthesis
Disrupted Bacterial Cell Wall

In addition, vancomycin alters bacterial-cell-membrane permeability and RNA synthesis. There is no cross-resistance between vancomycin and other antibiotics. It is active only against gram-positive bacteria. It is not active against gram-negative bacilli, mycobacteria, or fungi. It is poorly absorbed via the GI system, which is why it is given most often parenterally.

INDICATIONS
Serious Gram-Positive Infections
Serious Graham-cracker-Positive-angel

Vancomycin is used in the treatment of serious infections involving gram positive organisms including Clostridium difficile (C.difficile or C.diff), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcal aureus (MRSA), and individuals susceptible to infection but are allergic to penicillin.

SIDE EFFECTS
Nephrotoxicity
Kidney with Toxic-green-glow

Peak and trough levels are drawn while the patient is receiving Vancomycin, because of the dose related risk of renal toxicity.

Ototoxicity
Ear with Toxic-green-glow

While rare, ototoxicity is another possible side effect associated with Vancomycin administration and is usually reversible. Patients with ototoxicity often present first with tinnitus.

Red Man Syndrome
Red Man

If administered rapidly, patients may experience flushing, rash, pruritus, urticaria, tachycardia, and hypotension. Slow infusion, as well as prophylaxis with diphenhydramine avoids the release of histamine, which causes these symptoms.

Thrombophlebitis
Trombone-flamingo

This is a common side effect due to the irritating effect of the medication on the blood vessel wall. Diluting the IV solution, changing the IV site frequently, and administering the IV slowly can decrease the risk of thrombophlebitis.

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Culture Samples First
Cultural-dish with First-place Ribbon

Prior to giving the first dose of the medication, a culture and sensitivity test should be performed to identify the infectious organism.

Infuse IV Over 60 Minutes
Infuser IV over 60-minute-clock

Slow infusion of Vancomycin reduces the incidence of side effects such as Red Man Syndrome and thrombophlebitis.

Take Around the Clock
Circling Around the Clock

It is important to administer both parenteral and oral preparations of the medication in equal intervals around the clock to maintain therapeutic blood levels.

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