Vancomycin (Vancocin) Nursing Considerations

Generic Name vancomycin Trade Name Vancocin Indication life threatening infections, sepsis Action bactericidal, inhibits cell wall synthesis Therapeutic Class anti-infectives Pharmacologic Class glycopeptides Nursing Considerations • can cause ototoxicity, nausea, vomiting, nephrotoxicity, anaphylaxis, red-man syndrome • assess for infection • obtain culture prior to initiating therapy • monitor blood pressure • dose dependent draw serum trough levels frequently • administer over at least 60 minutes to avoid skin irritation