Vancomycin

                             VANCOMYCIN

Vancomycin comes under a group called as GLYCOPEPTIDES. Other drugs in this group are Teicoplanin , Oritavaricin , Telavancin , Dalbavancin . All glycopeptides inhibit cell wall synthesis in bacteria .

MECHANISM OF ACTION : 

1. They are bacteriocidal antibiotics .
2. They inhibit cell wall synthesis by inhibiting TRANSGLYCOLASE enzyme required for polypeptide chain elongation.

PHARMACOLINETICS:

1. Vancomycin taken as I.V 
2. It is not absorbed when given orally . It is given orally for Pseudomembranous colitis by Clostridium difficile  
3. They are excreted in Urine

USE:

1. MRSA
2. Clostridium jeikium 
3. Penicillin allergic patients as an alternative drug 
4. Pseudomembranous colitis by Clostridium difficile 

ADVERSE EFFECTS:

1. Rapid I.V infusion of vancomycin can lead to RED MAN SYNDROME ( diffuse flushing ) . Because vancomycin releases histamine .
2. Ototoxicity
3. Nephrotoxicity
4. Chills