Vancomycin

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections caused by organisms resistant to other antibiotics, such as MRSA.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Prescription medication available at pharmacies
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Vancomycin FAQ


Image credit: healthjade.net

What is vancomycin used for?

Vancomycin is an antibiotic. Oral (taken by mouth) vancomycin fights bacteria in the intestines. Vancomycin is used to treat an infection of the intestines caused by Clostridium difficile, which can cause watery or bloody diarrhea. This medicine is also used to treat staph infections that can cause inflammation of the colon and small intestines.

Does vancomycin kill bacteria?

Vancomycin will not kill bacteria or treat infections in any other part of the body when taken by mouth. Antibiotics such as vancomycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Is vancomycin a bactericidal antibiotic?

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that exerts its bactericidal effect by inhibiting the polymerization of peptidoglycans in the bacterial cell wall. The bacterial cell wall contains a rigid peptidoglycan layer with a highly cross-linked structure composed of long polymers of N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG).

Can vancomycin be used to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections?

Vancomycin is a medication used in the treatment of serious Gram-positive bacterial infections. It is in the cell wall synthesis inhibitor class of antimicrobial medications. This activity reviews the indications, action, and contraindications for vancomycin as a valuable antimicrobial in treating Gram-positive bacterial infections.

What bacterium makes vancomycin?

Vancomycin is made by the soil bacterium Amycolatopsis orientalis. Vancomycin is indicated for the treatment of serious, life-threatening infections by Gram-positive ( aerobic and/or anaerobic) bacteria unresponsive to other antibiotics.

Vancomycin References

If you want to know more about Vancomycin, consider exploring links below:

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