Consensus recommendations for dosing and therapeutic monitoring of intravenous (IV) vancomycin (Vancocin, and others) were recently published.1 IV vancomycin has been used for decades as an alternative to penicillins for treatment of serious infections due to gram-positive cocci. In recent years, the widest use of the drug has been for treatment of serious methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.2

TOXICITY — Earlier formulations of vancomycin, which contained many impurities, were associated with infusion reactions, nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Current formulations, however, appear to be generally free of these toxicities, at least when the standard dose is used and the patient has normal renal function and is not taking a nephrotoxic drug (such as an aminoglycoside) concurrently. The most common adverse effects, such as fever, chills and ... more      

Would you like to read the rest of this article?  Gain access below.