Vancomycin

Vancomycin is active only against gram-positive bacteria, particularly staphylococci. It inhibits cell wall synthesis.

Vancomycin is poorly absorbed from the intestinal tract and is administered orally only for the treatment of antibiotic-associated enterocolitis caused by Clostridium difficile. Parenteral doses must be administered intravenously. The drug is widely distributed in the body. Ninety percent of the drug is excreted by glomerular filtration.

Clinical Uses: Parenteral vancomycin is indicated for sepsis or endocarditis caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococci. It irritates the tissues surrounding the injection site and is known to cause a red man or red neck syndrome.