What is "vancomycin"

n. (context medicine English) A glycopeptide antibiotic, produced by the actinomycete ''Amycolaptosis orientalis'', used against Gram-positive bacteria, especially staphylococci and enterococci.

n. an antibiotic (trade name Vancocin) effective against some bacterial infections [syn: Vancocin]

Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. It is recommended intravenously as a first-line treatment for complicated skin infections, bloodstream infections, endocarditis, bone and joint infections, and meningitis caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Blood levels may be measured to determine the correct dose. Vancomycin is also recommended by mouth as a treatment for severe Clostridium difficile colitis. When taken by mouth it is very poorly absorbed.

Common side effects include pain in the area of injection and allergic reactions. Occasionally problems with hearing, low blood pressure, or bone marrow suppression occur. Safety in pregnancy is not clear but there is no evidence of harm, and it is likely safe for use when breastfeeding. It is a type of glycopeptide antibiotic and works by blocking the construction of a cell wall.

Vancomycin was first sold in 1954. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. It is available as a generic medication. The wholesale cost in the developing world of an intravenous dose is about 1.70 to 6.00 USD. In the United States the pills are more expensive than the intravenous solution. The intravenous solution may be safely taken by mouth for the treatment of Clostridium difficile colitis to reduce costs. Vancomycin is made by the soil bacterium Amycolatopsis orientalis.