Vancomycin, Antibiotics - Vancomycin

Generic Name
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Terms in this set (9)
Generic Name
vancomycin hydrochloride
Class/Indication
antibiotics
-serious or severe infections when other antibiotics are ineffective or contraindicated.
-c diff associated diarrhea
-staphylococcus enterocolitis (give for at least 4 wks)
-preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis for GU and GI (excluding esophageal) tract procedures
-c diff infection in patients with complete ileus
Action
-binds to bacterial cell wall resulting in cell death (bacteriocidal)
-effective against gram positive bacteria
Nursing Implications
-patients with renal dysfunction need dosage adjustment --monitor blood levels
-obtain hearing eval and renal studies before therapy
-monitor fluid balance and watch for oliguria and cloudy urine
-monitor carefully for redman syndrome, which can occur if drug is infused too rapidly (maculopapular rash on face, neck trunk and limbs, pruritis and hypotension caused by histamine release)
-dont give IM
-monitor renal function during therapy
What MOA class is vancomycin?
Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitor
Is vancomycin bactericidal or bacteriostatic?
Bactericidal
What types of organisms and infections is vancomycin used to treat?
Treatment of choice for MRSA and other gram-positive infections
What are the nursing implications of vancomycin administration? (5)
1. Must monitor blood levels to ensure therapeutic peak and trough levels and prevent toxicity
2. Should be infused over 60 minutes
3. Rapid infusions may cause hypotension
4. Monitor IV site closely
5. Peak level = 18 - 50 and Trough level = 10 - 20
What adverse effects are associated with vancomycin? (6)
1. Ototoxicity
2. Nephrotoxicity
3. Ensure adequate hydration (2 L fluids/24 hr) if not contraindicated to prevent nephrotoxicity

4. Red man syndrome may occur:
5. Flushing/itching of head, neck, face, upper trunk
6. Antihistamine may be ordered to reduce these effects