1.1 Septicemia

Vancomycin Injection is indicated in adults and pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] for the treatment of septicemia due to:

•

Susceptible isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and coagulase negative staphylococci.

•

Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

1.2 Infective Endocarditis

Vancomycin Injection is indicated in adults and pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] for the treatment of infective endocarditis due to:

•

Susceptible isolates of MRSA.

•

Viridans group streptococci or Streptococcus gallolyticus (previously known as Streptococcus bovis) and Enterococcus species and Corynebacterium species. For enterococcal endocarditis (e.g., E. faecalis), use Vancomycin Injection in combination with an aminoglycoside.

•

Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

Vancomycin Injection is indicated in adults and pediatric patients for the treatment of early-onset prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis in combination with rifampin and an aminoglycoside.

1.3 Skin and Skin Structure Infections

Vancomycin Injection is indicated in adults and pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections due to:

•

Susceptible isolates of MRSA and coagulase negative staphylococci.

•

Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

1.4 Bone Infection

Vancomycin Injection is indicated in adults and pediatric patients (and older) for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] for the treatment of bone infections due to:

•

Susceptible isolates of MRSA and coagulase negative staphylococci.

•

Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

1.5 Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Vancomycin Injection is indicated in adults and pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections due to:

•

Susceptible isolates of MSRA.

•

Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

1.6 Usage

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Vancomycin Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Vancomycin Injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

2.1 Important Administration Instructions

•

If a dose of Vancomycin Injection is required that does not equal 500 mg, 750 mg, 1 g, 1.25 g or 1.5 g, this product is not recommended for use and an alternative formulation of vancomycin should be considered.

•

Vancomycin Injection is intended for intravenous use only.

•

Vancomycin Injection is not to be administered orally.

•

To reduce the risk of infusion related adverse reactions, administer Vancomycin Injection by intravenous infusion over 60 minutes or greater [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. An infusion rate of 10 mg/min or less is associated with fewer infusion-related adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Infusion related adverse reactions may occur, however, at any rate or concentration.

•

Drug additives should not be made to this solution.

•

Vancomycin Injection concentrations of no more than 5 mg/mL are recommended in adults [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. See also age-specific recommendations [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

•

Administer Vancomycin by a secure intravenous route of administration to reduce the risk of local irritation and phlebitis reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

•

Administer Vancomycin Injection prior to intravenous anesthetic agents to reduce the risk of infusion related adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

2.2 Recommended Dosage in Adult Patients with Normal Renal Function

The usual daily intravenous dosage of Vancomycin Injection is 2 grams (g) divided either as 500 mg every 6 hours or 1 g every 12 hours. Administer each dose by intravenous infusion over a period of 60 minutes or greater. Other patient factors, such as age or obesity, may call for modification of the usual intravenous daily dose. The initial daily dose should be no less than 15 mg/kg.

2.3 Recommended Dosage in Pediatric Patients with Normal Renal Function

If a dose of Vancomycin Injection is required that does not equal 500 mg, 750 mg, 1 g, 1.25 g or 1.5 g, this product is not recommended for use and an alternative formulation of vancomycin should be considered [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

Pediatric Patients (Aged 1 Month and Older)

The usual intravenous dosage of vancomycin is 10 mg/kg per dose given every 6 hours. Each dose should be administered over a period of at least 60 minutes. Close monitoring of serum concentrations of vancomycin may be warranted in these patients.

Pediatric Patients (Younger than 1 Month Old)

In pediatric patients up to the age of 1 month, the total daily intravenous dosage may be lower. In neonates, an initial dose of 15 mg/kg is suggested, followed by 10 mg/kg every 12 hours for neonates in the 1st week of life and every 8 hours thereafter up to the age of 1 month. Each dose should be administered over 60 minutes. In premature infants, vancomycin clearance decreases as postconceptional age decreases. Therefore, longer dosing intervals may be necessary in premature infants. Close monitoring of serum concentrations of vancomycin is recommended in these patients.

2.4 Recommended Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment

Dosage adjustment must be made in patients with renal impairment. The initial dose should be no less than 15 mg/kg in patients with any degree of renal impairment. Measure trough vancomycin serum concentrations to guide therapy, especially in seriously ill patients with changing renal function.

For functionally anephric patients, an initial dose of 15 mg/kg of body weight should be given to achieve prompt therapeutic serum concentrations. Measure vancomycin serum concentrations at 24 hours following the first dose to guide further intravenous therapy.

2.5 Administration and Preparation Instructions for Vancomycin Injection

Administration Instructions

Vancomycin Injection, in GALAXY plastic container is for intravenous administration only. Intermittent infusion is the recommended method of administration.

Store the frozen Vancomycin Injection container in a freezer capable of maintaining a temperature at or below -20°C (-4°F) [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)].

Preparation for Intravenous Administration:

Thawing of Plastic Containers

1.

Thaw frozen containers at room temperature (25°C/77°F) or under refrigeration (5°C/41°F). Product should not be thawed by immersion in waters baths or by microwave irradiation. Do not force thaw.

2.

Check for minute leaks by squeezing the bag firmly. If leaks are detected, discard solution because sterility may be impaired.

3.

Do not add supplemental medication.

4.

Visually inspect the container. If the outlet port protector is damaged, detached, or not present, discard container as solution path sterility may be impaired.

5.

Components of the solution may precipitate in the frozen state and will dissolve upon reaching room temperature with little or no agitation. Potency is not affected. Agitate after solution has reached room temperature.

6.

If after visual inspection the solution remains cloudy or if an insoluble precipitate is noted or if any seals are not intact, discard the container.

7.

The thawed solution in GALAXY plastic container remains chemically stable for 72 hours at room temperature (25°C/77°F) or for 30 days when stored under refrigeration (5°C/41°F).

8.

Handle frozen product containers with care. Product containers may be fragile in the frozen state.

9.

Do not refreeze thawed Vancomycin Injection.

 

Directions for Administration

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.

1.

Suspend container from eyelet support.

2.

Remove protector from outlet port at bottom of container.

3.

Attach administration set. Refer to complete directions accompanying set.

4.

Use sterile equipment.

Do not use plastic containers in series connections. Such use could result in an embolism due to residual air being drawn from the primary container before administration of the fluid from the secondary container is complete.

5.1 Infusion Reactions

Hypotension including shock and cardiac arrest, wheezing, dyspnea, urticaria or pruritus, muscular and chest pain may occur with rapid Vancomycin Injection administration. (e.g., over several minutes). The reactions may be more severe in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

Rapid intravenous administration of Vancomycin Injection may also be associated with “vancomycin infusion reaction”, which manifests as pruritus and erythema that involves the face, neck and upper body or pain and muscle spasm of the chest and back. There have been reports that the frequency of infusion-related reactions (including hypotension, flushing, erythema, urticaria, and pruritus) increases with the concomitant administration of anesthetic agents.

Infusion-related adverse reactions are related to both the concentration and the rate of administration of Vancomycin for Injection. Infusion-related adverse reactions may occur, however, at any rate or concentration.

Administer Vancomycin Injection over a period of 60 minutes or greater to reduce the risk of rapid-infusion-related adverse reactions. In selected patients in need of fluid restriction, a concentration up to 10 mg/mL may be used; use of such higher concentrations may increase the risk of infusion-related adverse reactions.

Administer Vancomycin Injection as a 60-minute infusion prior to administration of anesthetic agents when feasible to minimize infusion-related adverse reactions. Stop the infusion if a reaction occurs because this usually results in prompt cessation of these reactions.

5.2 Nephrotoxicity

Vancomycin Injection can result in acute kidney injury (AKI), including acute renal failure, mainly due to interstitial nephritis or less commonly acute tubular necrosis. AKI is manifested by increasing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr). The risk of AKI increases with higher vancomycin serum levels, prolonged exposure, concomitant administration of other nephrotoxic drugs, concomitant administration of piperacillin-tazobactam [see Drug Interactions (7.2)], volume depletion, pre-existing renal impairment and in critically ill patients and patients with co-morbid conditions that predispose to renal impairment.

Monitor serum vancomycin concentrations and renal function in all patients receiving Vancomycin Injection. More frequent monitoring is recommended in patients with comorbidities that predispose to impairment in renal function or are concomitantly receiving other nephrotoxic drugs, in critically ill patients, in patients with changing renal function, and in patients requiring higher therapeutic vancomycin levels. If acute kidney injury occurs, discontinue Vancomycin Injection, or reduce the dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

5.3 Ototoxicity

Ototoxicity has occurred in patients receiving Vancomycin Injection. It may be reversible or permanent. Ototoxicity manifests as tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness or vertigo. The risk is higher in older patients, patients who are receiving higher doses, who have an underlying hearing loss, who are receiving concomitant therapy with another ototoxic agent, such as an aminoglycoside or who have underlying renal impairment. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ototoxicity during therapy. Monitor serum vancomycin concentrations and renal function in all patients receiving parenteral vancomycin. Discontinue Vancomycin Injection if ototoxicity occurs. Dosage of Vancomycin Injection must be adjusted for patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

Serial tests of auditory function may be helpful in order to minimize the risk of ototoxicity.

5.4 Severe Dermatologic Reactions

Severe dermatologic reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) have been reported in association with the use of vancomycin. Cutaneous signs or symptoms reported include skin rashes (including exfoliative dermatitis), mucosal lesions, and blisters.

Discontinue Vancomycin Injection at the first appearance of signs and symptoms of TEN, SJS, DRESS, AGEP, or LABD.

5.5 Clostridioides Difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD)

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Vancomycin Injection, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.

C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Prolonged use of vancomycin may result in the overgrowth of nonsusceptible microorganisms. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken. In rare instances, there have been reports of pseudomembranous colitis due to C. difficile developing in patients who received intravenous vancomycin.

5.6 Hemorrhagic Occlusive Retinal Vasculitis (HORV)

Hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis, including permanent loss of vision, occurred in patients receiving intracameral or intravitreal administration of vancomycin during or after cataract surgery. The safety and efficacy of vancomycin administered by the intracameral or the intravitreal route have not been established by adequate and well-controlled trials. Vancomycin is not indicated for prophylaxis of endophthalmitis.

5.7 Neutropenia

Reversible neutropenia has been reported in patients receiving vancomycin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Patients who will undergo prolonged therapy with vancomycin or those who are receiving concomitant drugs that may cause neutropenia should have periodic monitoring of the leukocyte count.

Reversible neutropenia, usually starting 1 week or more after onset of therapy with vancomycin or after a total dosage of more than 25 g, has been reported for several dozen patients. Neutropenia appears to be promptly reversible when vancomycin is discontinued. Thrombocytopenia has been reported. Although a causal relationship has not been established, reversible agranulocytosis (granulocytes <500/mm3) has been reported.

5.8 Phlebitis and Other Administration Site Reactions

Inflammation at the injection site has been reported. Vancomycin is irritating to tissue and must be given by a secure intravenous route of administration. Thrombophlebitis may occur, the frequency and severity of which can be minimized by slow infusion of the drug and by rotation of venous access sites.

Administration of Vancomycin Injection by intramuscular (IM), intraperitoneal, intrathecal intraventricular, or intravitreal routes has not been approved and is not recommended. The safety and efficacy of vancomycin administered by these routes of administration have not been established by adequate and well controlled trials. Pain, tenderness, and necrosis occur with intramuscular (IM) injection of vancomycin or with inadvertent extravasation. There have been reports that the frequency of infusion-related events (including hypotension, flushing, erythema, urticaria, and pruritus) increases with the concomitant administration of anesthetic agents. Infusion-related events may be minimized by the administration of vancomycin as a 60-minute infusion prior to anesthetic induction.

Administration of sterile vancomycin by the intraperitoneal route during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has been reported to result in a syndrome of chemical peritonitis. Manifestations of this syndrome range from a cloudy dialysate alone to a cloudy dialysate accompanied by variable degrees of abdominal pain and fever. This syndrome appears to be resolved after discontinuation of intraperitoneal vancomycin.

About 60% of an intraperitoneal dose of vancomycin administered during peritoneal dialysis is absorbed systemically in 6 hours. Serum concentrations of about 10 mcg/mL are achieved by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg of vancomycin. However, the safety and efficacy of the intraperitoneal use of vancomycin has not been established in adequate and well-controlled trials.

5.9 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Prescribing Vancomycin Injection in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

5.10 Risk of High Sodium Load

Each 100 mL solution of Vancomycin Injection contains 354 mg of sodium, each 150 mL solution of Vancomycin Injection contains 531 mg of sodium, and each 200 mL solution of Vancomycin Injection contains 708 mg of sodium. Avoid use of Vancomycin Injection, in patients with congestive heart failure, elderly patients and patients requiring restricted sodium intake.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The following adverse reactions associated with the use of vancomycin were identified in clinical trials:

Immune System Disorders: Anaphylaxis and “vancomycin infusion reaction”

Renal and urinary Disorders: Acute kidney injury and interstitial nephritis

Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: Hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rashes including exfoliative dermatitis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Clostridioides difficile colitis, nausea

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Agranulocytosis, neutropenia, pancytopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia

Cardiac Disorders: Cardiac arrest, chest pain

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: General discomfort, drug fever, chills, phlebitis, injection site irritation, injection site pain and necrosis following intramuscular injection, chemical peritonitis following intraperitoneal administration (Vancomycin Injection is not approved for intramuscular and intraperitoneal administration)

Laboratory Abnormalities: Elevated blood urea nitrogen, elevated serum creatinine

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Muscle pain

Nervous system disorders: Dizziness

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Wheezing, dyspnea

Vascular disorders: Hypotension, shock, vasculitis

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postmarketing use of vancomycin. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Severe dermatologic reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD).

7.1 Anesthetic Agents

Concomitant administration of vancomycin and anesthetic agents has been associated with erythema and histamine-like flushing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

7.2 Piperacillin-Tazobactam

Studies have detected an increased incidence of acute kidney injury in patients administered concomitant piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin as compared to vancomycin alone. Monitor kidney function in patients receiving concomitant piperacillin/tazobactam and Vancomycin Injection. No pharmacokinetic interactions have been noted between piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin.

7.3 Ototoxic and/or Nephrotoxic Drugs

Concurrent and/or sequential systemic or topical use of other potentially neurotoxic and/or nephrotoxic drugs with Vancomycin Injection requires more frequent monitoring of renal function.

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Available data over several decades of vancomycin use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data). Vancomycin did not show adverse developmental effects when administered intravenously to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses less than or equal to the recommended maximum human dose (see Data).

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data

Human Data

A published study evaluated hearing loss and nephrotoxicity in infants of 10 pregnant intravenous drug users treated with intravenously administered vancomycin for suspected or documented methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus-aureus (MRSA) in the second or third trimester. The comparison groups were 10 non-intravenous drug-dependent patients who received no treatment, and 10 untreated intravenous drug-dependent patients who served as substance abuse controls. No infant in the vancomycin exposed group had abnormal sensorineural hearing at 3 months of age or nephrotoxicity.

A published prospective study assessed outcomes in 55 pregnant women with a positive Group B streptococcus (GBS) culture and a high-risk penicillin allergy with resistance to clindamycin or unknown sensitivity who were administered vancomycin at the time of delivery. Vancomycin dosing ranged from the standard 1 g intravenously every 12 hours to 20 mg/kg intravenous every 8 hours (maximum individual dose 2 g). No major adverse reactions were recorded either in the mothers or their newborns.

None of the newborns had sensorineural hearing loss. Neonatal renal function was not examined, but all of the newborns were discharged in good condition.

Animal Data

Vancomycin did not cause fetal malformations when administered during organogenesis to pregnant rats (gestation days 6 to 15) and rabbits (gestation days 6 to 18) at the equivalent recommended maximum human dose (based on body surface area comparisons) of 200 mg/kg/day IV to rats or 120 mg/kg/day IV to rabbits. No effects on fetal weight or development were seen in rats at the highest dose tested or in rabbits given 80 mg/kg/day (approximately 1 and 0.8 times the recommended maximum human dose based on body surface area, respectively). Maternal toxicity was observed in rats (at doses 120 mg/kg and above) and rabbits (at 80 mg/kg and above).1

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

Vancomycin is present in human milk following intravenous administration, however, there are insufficient data to inform the levels. There are no data on the effects of vancomycin on the breastfed infant or milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for vancomycin and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from vancomycin or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Vancomycin Injection is indicated in pediatric patients for the treatment of septicemia, infective endocarditis, skin and skin structure infections, bone infections and lower respiratory tract infections for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Indications and Usage (1.1 to 1.5) and Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.3)].

Because of the limitations of the available strengths and administration requirements (i.e., administration of fractional doses is not recommended) of Vancomycin Injection, and to avoid unintentional overdose, this product is not recommended for use if a dose of Vancomycin Injection that does not equal 500 mg, 750 mg, 1 g, 1.25 g or 1.5 g is required, and an alternative formulation of vancomycin should be considered [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.3)].

More severe infusion related reactions related to vancomycin administration may occur in pediatric patients. In pediatric patients, monitor vancomycin serum concentration and renal function when administering Vancomycin injection [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Concomitant administration of vancomycin and intravenous anesthetic agents has been associated with erythema and histamine-like flushing in all patients including pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Vancomycin injection is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)], and it may be useful to monitor renal function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

8.6 Renal Impairment

Dosage adjustment of Vancomycin Injection must be made in patients with impaired renal function [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. Measure trough vancomycin serum concentrations to guide intravenous therapy, especially in patients with impaired renal function or fluctuating renal function.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Vancomycin is an antibacterial drug [see Microbiology (12.4)].

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Based on animal models of infection, the antimicrobial activity of vancomycin appears to correlate with the AUC/MIC (area under the concentration-time curve/minimum inhibitory concentration) ratio for certain pathogens, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The principal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameter best associated with clinical and microbiological cure has not been elucidated in clinical trials2,3.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

General Pharmacokinetics

In subjects with normal kidney function, multiple intravenous dosing of 1 g of vancomycin (15 mg/kg) infused over 60 minutes produces mean plasma concentrations of approximately 63 mcg/mL immediately after the completion of infusion, mean plasma concentrations of approximately 23 mcg/mL 2 hours after infusion, and mean plasma concentrations of approximately 8 mcg/mL 11 hours after the end of the infusion. Multiple dosing of 500 mg infused over 30 minutes produces mean plasma concentrations of about 49 mcg/mL at the completion of infusion, mean plasma concentrations of about 19 mcg/mL 2 hours after infusion, and mean plasma concentrations of about 10 mcg/mL 6 hours after infusion. The plasma concentrations during multiple dosing are similar to those after a single dose.

Distribution

The distribution coefficient is from 0.3 to 0.43 L/kg. Vancomycin is approximately 55% serum protein bound as measured by ultrafiltration at vancomycin serum concentrations of 10 to 100 mcg/mL. After IV administration of vancomycin, inhibitory concentrations are present in pleural, pericardial, ascitic, and synovial fluids; in urine; in peritoneal dialysis fluid; and in atrial appendage tissue. Vancomycin does not readily diffuse across normal meninges into the spinal fluid; but, when the meninges are inflamed, penetration into the spinal fluid occurs.

Elimination

Mean plasma clearance is about 0.058 L/kg/h, and mean renal clearance is about 0.048 L/kg/h. The mean elimination half-life of vancomycin from plasma is 4 to 6 hours in subjects with normal renal function. In anephric patients, the average half-life of elimination is 7.5 days. Total systemic and renal clearance of vancomycin may be reduced in the elderly.

Metabolism

There is no apparent metabolism of vancomycin.

Excretion

In the first 24 hours, about 75% of an administered dose of vancomycin is excreted in urine by glomerular filtration. Renal dysfunction slows excretion of vancomycin.

12.4 Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

The bactericidal action of vancomycin results primarily from inhibition of cell-wall biosynthesis. In addition, vancomycin alters bacterial-cell-membrane permeability and RNA synthesis.

Resistance

There is no cross-resistance between vancomycin and other antibacterial(s). Vancomycin is not active in vitro against gram-negative bacilli, mycobacteria, or fungi.

Interaction With Other Antimicrobials

The combination of vancomycin and an aminoglycoside acts synergistically in vitro against many isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus gallolyticus (previously known as Streptococcus bovis), Enterococcus spp, and the viridans group streptococci.

Antimicrobial Activity

Vancomycin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria, both in vitro and in clinical infections [see Indications and Usage section (1)].

Aerobic bacteria

Gram-positive bacteria

 

Corynebacterium spp.
Enterococcus spp. (including Enterococcus faecalis)
Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible isolates)

 

Coagulase negative staphylococci (including S. epidermidis and methicillin-resistant isolates)

 

Streptococcus gallolyticus (previously known as Streptococcus bovis)

 

Viridans group streptococci

The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following bacteria exhibit an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for vancomycin against isolates of similar genus or organism group. However, the efficacy of vancomycin in treating clinical infections caused by these bacteria has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.

Aerobic bacteria

Gram-positive bacteria

 

Listeria monocytogenes
Streptococcus pyogenes
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus agalactiae

Anaerobic bacteria

Gram-positive bacteria

 

Actinomyces spp
Lactobacillus spp

Susceptibility Testing

For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No long-term studies in animals have been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential. No definitive fertility studies have been performed.

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

In animal studies, hypotension and bradycardia occurred in dogs receiving an intravenous infusion of vancomycin 25 mg/kg, at a concentration of 25 mg/mL and an infusion rate of 13.3 mL/min.