Vancomycin
Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat serious gram-positive bacterial infections, particularly those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other resistant organisms. It is reserved for serious infections due to its importance in treating resistant pathogens.
Vancomycin is a last-resort glycopeptide antibiotic for serious gram-positive infections, especially MRSA.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01XA01
- Generic
- Vancomycin
- Class
- glycopeptide
- Brands
- Vancocin
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 6
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 12
- Routes
- iv, oral
- Forms
- injection, capsule
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- vancomycin-level, renal-function, hearing
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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 15-20 mg/kg every 8-12 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8-12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10-15 mg/kg every 6 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 15-20 mg/kg every 12 hours (adjusted for renal function)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use during first trimester unless absolutely necessary for treating serious infections
regular fetal monitoring and assessment of maternal renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks
maternal renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks
maternal and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
use with caution, consider interrupting breastfeeding temporarily
monitor infant for gastrointestinal effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose based on renal function, extend dosing interval
adjust dose using creatinine clearance, monitor levels
regular serum vancomycin level monitoring and renal function assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesweight-based dosing, extended interval in premature infants
use with caution in premature infants due to immature renal function
frequent serum level monitoring, renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
standard pediatric dosing protocols apply
serum level monitoring for prolonged therapy
renal_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction required, extended dosing interval
adjust dose based on creatinine clearance, monitor levels closely
frequent serum vancomycin level monitoring and renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeno significant adjustment needed
use with caution, monitor renal function
renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Vancomycin
Drug class
Antibiotic class classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Common routes
Administration routes
Serious gram-positive infections including MRSA bacteremia, endocarditis, bone and joint infections, pneumonia, and skin/soft tissue infections. Oral formulation used for Clostridioides difficile colitis.
Binds to D-Ala-D-Ala termini of peptidoglycan precursors, blocking bacterial cell wall synthesis by preventing transglycosylation and cross-linking.
Typically administered intravenously for systemic infections. Requires therapeutic drug monitoring to maintain target levels and minimize nephrotoxicity. Infusion rate must be controlled to prevent red man syndrome. Reserved as a last-line agent to preserve effectiveness against resistant organisms.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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 July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy