VANCOMYCIN (VANCOCIN)

Course overview

Vancomycin is U.S. FDA-approved for antibiotic-induced pseudomembranous enterocolitis caused by Clostridium difficile and enterocolitis caused by all strains of Staphylococcus aureus (P.O. only); infective endocarditis caused by susceptible bacteria and infectious disease caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. (MRSA; I.V. only). It must be used cautiously in older patients, patients receiving immunosuppressants, and in patients with preexisting renal impairment, or inflammatory disorders of the intestinal mucosa (P.O. only). Its most common adverse effects include chills and drug fever; dysgeusia, nausea, vomiting, and stomatitis (P.O.); and phlebitis (I.V.). This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of vancomycin. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.