Vancocin HCL
Vancocin HCL - General Information
Antibacterial obtained from Streptomyces orientalis. It is a glycopeptide related to ristocetin that inhibits bacterial cell wall assembly and is toxic to kidneys and the inner ear. [PubChem]
Pharmacology of Vancocin HCL
Vancocin HCL is a branched tricyclic glycosylated nonribosomal peptide produced by the fermentation of the Actinobacteria species Amycolatopsis orientalis (formerly Nocardia orientalis). It is often reserved as the "drug of last resort", used only after treatment with other antibiotics had failed. Vancocin HCL has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections: Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae (including penicillin-resistant strains), Streptococcus agalactiae, Actinomyces species, and Lactobacillus species. The combination of vancomycin and an aminoglycoside acts synergistically in vitro against many strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus bovis, enterococci, and the viridans group streptococci.
Vancocin HCL for patients
Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including vancomycin, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When vancomycin is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by vancomycin or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Vancocin HCL Interactions
Concomitant administration of vancomycin and anesthetic agents has been associated with erythema and histamine-like flushing and anaphylactoid reactions.
Concurrent and/or sequential systemic or topical use of other potentially neurotoxic and/or nephrotoxic drugs, such as amphotericin B, aminoglycosides, bacitracin, polymyxin B, colistin, viomycin, or cisplatin, when indicated, requires careful monitoring.
Vancocin HCL Contraindications
Vancomycin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to this antibiotic. Solutions containing dextrose may be contraindicated in patients with known allergy to corn or corn products.
Additional information about Vancocin HCL
Vancocin HCL Indication: For the treatment of serious or severe infections caused by susceptible strains of methicillin-resistant (beta-lactam-resistant) staphylococci.
Mechanism Of Action: The bactericidal action of vancomycin results primarily from inhibition of cell-wall biosynthesis. Specifically, vancomycin prevents incorporation of N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM)- and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG)-peptide subunits from being incorporated into the peptidoglycan matrix; which forms the major structural component of Gram-positive cell walls. The large hydrophilic molecule is able to form hydrogen bond interactions with the terminal D-alanyl-D-alanine moieties of the NAM/NAG-peptides. Normally this is a five-point interaction. This binding of vancomycin to the D-Ala-D-Ala prevents the incorporation of the NAM/NAG-peptide subunits into the peptidoglycan matrix. In addition, vancomycin alters bacterial-cell-membrane permeability and RNA synthesis. There is no cross-resistance between vancomycin and other antibiotics. Vancocin HCL is not active in vitro against gram-negative bacilli, mycobacteria, or fungi.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Vancomycin
Synonyms: Vancomycin HCL
Drug Category: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Glycopeptide antibacterials
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Vancomycin: Vancocin; Vancocin HCL; Vancoled; Vancor;
Absorption: Poorly absorbed from gastrointestinal tract, however systemic absorption (up to 60%) may occur following intraperitoneal administration.
Toxicity (Overdose): The oral LD50 in mice is 5000 mg/kg. The median lethal intravenous dose is 319 mg/kg in rats and 400 mg/kg in mice.
Protein Binding: Approximately 55% serum protein bound.
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: Half-life in normal renal patients is approximately 6 hours (range 4 to 11 hours). In anephric patients, the average half-life of elimination is 7.5 days.
Dosage Forms of Vancocin HCL: Powder, for solution Intravenous
Capsule Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: (1S,2R,18R,22S,25R,28R,40R)-48-{[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3-{[(2S,4S,5S,6S)-4-amino-5-hydroxy-4,6-dimethyloxan-2-yl]oxy}-4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy}-22-(carbamoylmethyl)-5,15-dichloro-2,18,32,35,37-pentahydroxy-19-[(2R)-4-methyl-2-(methylamino)pentanamido]-20,23,26,42,44-pentaoxo-7,13-dioxa-21,24,27,41,43-pentaazaoctacyclo[26.14.2.2^{3,6}.2^{14,17}.1^{8,12}.1^{29,33}.0^{10,25}.0^{34,39}]pentaconta-3,5,8(48),9,11,14,16,29(45),30,32,34(39),35,37,46,49-pentadecaene-40-carboxylic acid
Chemical Formula: C66H75Cl2N9O24
Vancomycin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancomycin
Organisms Affected: Enteric bacteria and other eubacteria
