Vancomycin

INDEX Generic Name vancomycin

Trade Name

Peak Onset end of infusion rapid Why is your patient taking this medication?

NURS 2236 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheet (You will need to made additional copies of these forms) Classification Dose Route Time/Frequency anti-infectives 500mg IV every 6 hours 1g IV every 12 hr (up to 4g/day) Duration 12-24 hr

For IV meds, compatability with IV drips and/or solutions

Mechanism of action and indications Treatment of potentially life-threatening infections when less toxic anti-infectives are contraindicated. Particularly useful in staphylococcal infections, including: Endocarditis, meningitis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia septicemia, soft-tissue infections in patients who have allergies to penicillin or its dirivatives or when sensitivity testing demonstrates resistance to methicillin.

Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions hypersensitivity, renal impairment; hearing impairment; intestinal obstruction or inflammation; pregnancy and lactation.

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) ototoxic and nephrotoxic drugs (aspirin, aminoglycosides, cyclosporine, cisplatin, loop diuretics); nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents; general anesthetics.

Lab value alterations caused by medicine

Nursing Process - Assessment (Pre-administration assessment) Assess patient for infection Vital signs; appearance of wound, sputum,urine, and stool; WBC and beginning of and throughout therapy. Allergy to medication monitor I/O.

Common side effects ototoxicity; hypotension; nausea; vomiting; nephrotoxicity; rashes; eosinophilia; leukopenia; phlebitis; back and neck pain; hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis; chills; fever; red-man syndrome (with rapid infusion); superinfection

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication Report signs of hypersensitivity, tinnitus, vertigo, or hearing loss. Report is there is not improvement in a few days. Heart patients need to be taught importance of using antimicrobial prophylaxis prior to invasive dental or medical procedures.

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this med? Allergy

Evaluation Check after giving Resolution of signs and symptoms of infection. Length of time for complete resolution depends on organism and site of infection. Endocarditis prophylaxis.