Vancomycin
Vancocin (vancomycin) is a glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat serious gram-positive bacterial infections, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is often reserved for severe infections when other antibiotics are ineffective or contraindicated, including bloodstream infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, and Clostridioides difficile colitis. The medication is typically administered intravenously for systemic infections, though oral formulations are used specifically for C. difficile infection.
Vancocin is a powerful antibiotic used for serious gram-positive bacterial infections like MRSA when other antibiotics fail.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 202368
- Generic
- Vancocin
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of serious gram-positive bacterial infections including MRSA bacteremia, pneumonia, endocarditis, skin/soft tissue infections, and oral/IV treatment of Clostridioides difficile colitis. Often used when patients are allergic to penicillins or cephalosporins.
Vancomycin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to D-alanyl-D-alanine residues, preventing cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains essential for bacterial cell wall integrity.
Requires therapeutic drug monitoring for IV use to ensure adequate levels while minimizing toxicity. Can cause nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity; requires baseline and periodic kidney and hearing function monitoring. Rapid IV infusion may cause 'red man syndrome' (histamine release). Generally reserved for serious infections due to concerns about antimicrobial resistance. May interact with other nephrotoxic drugs.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy