Hereβs the detailed profile for Vancomycin Powder for Injection 500 mg π
π Vancomycin Powder for Injection 500 mg
π Description:
- Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic.
- Administered by intravenous infusion for systemic infections.
- Mechanism of action: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of peptidoglycan precursors β prevents cross-linking β bactericidal against Gram-positive organisms.
- The 500 mg vial must be reconstituted and diluted before IV infusion.
π Prescription / Indications:
Indicated for serious Gram-positive infections, especially when resistant to or unsuitable for Ξ²-lactams:
- MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections
- Enterococcal infections (including endocarditis)
- Osteomyelitis & septic arthritis
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia
- Septicemia & bacteremia
- Meningitis (as part of combination therapy)
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Alternative for patients with severe Ξ²-lactam allergy
π Not absorbed orally β IV route mandatory for systemic therapy.
πΏ Nature / Drug Class:
- Glycopeptide antibiotic
- Bactericidal (Gram-positive coverage only)
β Advantages:
- Highly effective against MRSA and resistant Gram-positive organisms
- Important in hospital-acquired infections where resistance is common
- Multiple vial strengths (250 mg, 500 mg, 1 g) β allows flexible dosing
β οΈ Precautions:
Contraindication:
- Hypersensitivity to vancomycin
Use with caution in:
- Renal impairment (dose adjustment + therapeutic drug monitoring required)
- Elderly patients (greater risk of toxicity)
- Concurrent use of nephrotoxic/ototoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, loop diuretics, amphotericin B, cisplatin)
Adverse effects:
- Red man syndrome (flushing, pruritus, hypotension if infused too rapidly)
- Nephrotoxicity
- Ototoxicity (rare, usually with high levels/prolonged use)
- Thrombophlebitis at injection site
π Dosage (Adults):
- 15β20 mg/kg IV every 8β12 hours, individualized
- Adjust dose by renal function and serum trough concentration (target 10β20 Β΅g/mL)
π Administration:
- Reconstitute 500 mg vial with 10 mL sterile water for injection β yields 50 mg/mL solution
- Further dilute in at least 100β250 mL compatible IV fluid (0.9% NaCl or 5% dextrose)
- Infuse over at least 60 minutes (to avoid red man syndrome)
π¦ Common Packaging:
- Glass vials: 500 mg, 1 g, 250 mg (powder for reconstitution)
βοΈ Storage Conditions:
- Store powder vials at room temperature (<25Β°C), protected from light
- After reconstitution: stable 24 hours at room temp or 7 days refrigerated (2β8Β°C)

