Mechanism of action
Glycopeptides bind to terminal D-ala-D-ala chains on peptidoglycan in the cell wall, preventing further elongation of peptidoglycan chains.
Antimicrobial spectrum
It has a narrow-spectrum activity (only against gram-positive bacteria).
Therapeutic uses It is mainly used in:
- Vancomycin is also the drug of choice in patients in whom pseudomembranous colitis (antibiotic associated colitis) has developed
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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections - MRSA
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Other infections due to susceptible organisms e.g. Streptococci, bacillus anthracis, corynebacterium diphtheria, clostridium tetani and difficile.
Adverse effects:
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The major adverse effect associated with vancomycin therapy is ototoxicity.
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“Red neck syndrome”: More commonly, the intravenous infusion of vancomycin can result in the occurrence of chills, fever, hypotension and a maculopapular skin rash often involving the head and upper thorax due to histamine release. Now it is called vancomycin Infusion-related reactions . This reaction can be prevented by slowing the infusion rate and is not a true allergy. Antihistamines can also ameliorate the reaction.
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Nephrotoxicity: