aerosolized vancomycin or gentamicin

Aerosolized vancomycin or gentamicin refers to the administration of either vancomycin or gentamicin via inhalation (nebulization) for direct delivery to the respiratory tract. This approach is primarily used as adjunctive therapy for severe respiratory infections—especially in mechanically ventilated patients and those with cystic fibrosis—caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Gram-negative organisms. - **Vancomycin** is a glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to D-Ala-D-Ala termini of cell wall precursor units, leading to cell lysis and death. It is most effective against Gram-positive bacteria including MRSA[5][4]. - **Gentamicin** is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis and causing bacterial death; it is mainly active against Gram-negative organisms. Aerosolization allows high local drug concentrations in the lungs while minimizing systemic exposure and toxicity. Clinical studies have shown that aerosolized antibiotics can help eradicate pulmonary pathogens in ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis/pneumonia and cystic fibrosis[1][5][6]. However, evidence on clinical outcomes remains limited due to small sample sizes and study heterogeneity.

Other names

inhaled vancomycinnebulized vancomycininhaled gentamicinnebulized gentamicin