3.21 Miscellaneous Antibacterials: Glycopeptides

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide commonly used to treat MRSA.

Indications for Use: Vancomycin is a popular glycopeptide that is active against gram-positive bacteria. Vancomycin is commonly used to treat serious or severe infections when other antibiotics are ineffective or contraindicated, including those caused by MRSA.

Mechanism of Action: Glycopeptides are a class of medications that inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Special Administration Considerations: It is poorly absorbed from the GI tract, so it must be given by IV to treat a systemic infection. Oral vancomycin, on the other hand, is used to treat antibiotic-associated clostridium difficile (C-diff). Vancomycin poses a significant risk to kidney function and hearing; therefore, clients’ trough levels must be monitored carefully for effective IV dosing to avoid complications. Clients receiving IV vancomycin may also experience a complication known as “red man syndrome” in which they experience a flushing of the skin and a reddish rash on the upper body when the infusion is administered too rapidly.

Client Teaching/Education: Clients should be counselled to take medications as directed for the full course of antibacterial therapy.  They should monitor for side effects such as hypersensitivity, tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo.  Clients should promptly follow up with their healthcare provider if no improvement in symptoms is identified.^[1][2]

Now let’s take a closer look at the medication card on vancomycin in Table 3.20.^[3] Because information about medication is constantly changing, nurses should always consult evidence-based resources to review current recommendations before administering specific medication.

Table 3.20 Vancomycin Medication Card

Class: Miscellaneous Antibacterials: Glycopeptides (prototype: Vancomycin)