Vancomycin Dosing and Monitoring
Outpatient Vancomycin

Outpatient Vancomycin

Outpatient IV Vancomycin Therapy

Prior to discharge on outpatient IV vancomycin therapy, the healthcare team should:

Review:

  • The treatment plan to confirm that oral alternatives are not available or appropriate for patient management
  • The feasibility and safety of the treatment and care plan
  • The patient’s concomitant medications to identify any nephrotoxic agents (e.g. aminoglycoside, NSAID, diuretic, ACEI, ARB, etc.) and evaluate whether any should be held for the duration of treatment

Communicate:

  • The treatment and care plan to the patient and/or care givers and community healthcare providers; including necessary blood work, target levels and duration of therapy
  • The importance of proper timing of blood work in relation to administration of the vancomycin dose to allow interpretation of vancomycin serum concentrations

Additionally:

  • Educate and inform the patient and their caregivers on the signs and symptoms of potential adverse reactions to report or act on
  • Arrange all necessary monitoring test and follow-up appointments
  • Avoid scheduling blood work on Fridays because interpretation may be delayed