Vancomycin, plasma or serum

Vancomycin is a small glycoprotein (MW: 1450) derived from Norcardia Orientalis. Vancomycin is active against many gram positive bacteria and some gram negative cocci. Vancomycin is useful in the treatment of staphylococcal infections in patients who cannot receive or have failed to respond to the penicillins or cephalosporins. Vancomycin kills bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It also damages the bacterial cell membrane and interferes with bacterial RNA synthesis. Vancomycin must be given intravenously as it is poorly absorbed when taken orally and may cause tissue necrosis if injected intramuscularly. Side effects include: flushing of the face, neck and body. Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity may also occur.