Vancomycin (VAN)

Vancomycin is a branched tricyclic glycopeptide antibiotic derived from Amycolatopsis orientalis (formerly Streptomyces orientalis). It is primarily used to treat serious infections caused by resistant Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA, enterococci, and some streptococcal species. Vancomycin acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall biosynthesis, specifically preventing the incorporation of D-alanyl-D-alanine into peptidoglycan, thereby weakening the cell wall structure and causing bacterial cell death. It is reserved for use in patients with infections unresponsive to other antibiotics or with significant allergies to beta-lactams, and its clinical use is restricted due to the emergence of resistant strains. The drug is available mainly in intravenous and oral forms, with oral administration reserved for intestinal infections such as C. difficile colitis.

Other names

VANCOMYCIN HCLVancocinFirvanqVancorVancoledMeekLyphocinVancomycin hydrochloride

Inhibits peptidoglycan (cell wall) synthesis by binding the terminal D-alanyl-D-alanine in the cell wall precursor, blocking cross-linking; Secondary: increases bacterial membrane permeability, minor inhibition of RNA synthesis