Generic Name vancomycin Trade Name

Vancocin

Indication

life threatening infections, sepsis

Action

bactericidal, inhibits cell wall synthesis

Therapeutic Class

anti-infectives

Pharmacologic Class

glycopeptides

Nursing Considerations

• can cause ototoxicity, nausea, vomiting, nephrotoxicity, anaphylaxis, red-man syndrome • assess for infection • obtain culture prior to initiating therapy • monitor blood pressure • dose dependent draw serum trough levels frequently • administer over at least 60 minutes to avoid skin irritation