Antimicrobials
Vancomycin PO

Vancomycin PO

N/A
None
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Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

Only indication is in the therapy 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 sequestrates 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.

LU code for outpatient use (maximum funded dose of 125 mg QID for all codes)

  • LU 557 initial episode, mild, no response or intolerance to metronidazole (up to 56 capsules)
  • LU 558 initial episode, moderate to severe, uncomplicated (up to 56 capsules)
  • LU 559 first recurrence, mild-moderate-severe, uncomplicated (up to 56 capsules)
  • LU 560 second or subsequent recurrence, mild-moderate-severe, uncomplicated (up to 114 capsules)

Antimicrobial class: Glycopeptide

Pregnancy category: C (Sanford)/B (Briggs)

Average serum half life: N/A - poor absorption

Biliary penetration: None

Lung penetration: None

CSF penetration: None

Urine penetration: None