Vancomütsiini

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections. It is primarily effective against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a common cause of difficult-to-treat infections. Vancomycin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying.

This antibiotic is typically administered intravenously, although oral vancomycin is used to treat Clostridium difficile infections in the colon. Due to the potential for severe side effects and the development of resistance, vancomycin is usually reserved for infections that do not respond to other antibiotics. Common side effects can include infusion-related reactions such as redness of the upper body (Red Man Syndrome), kidney damage, and hearing loss, particularly with high doses or prolonged treatment. Careful monitoring of blood levels is often necessary to ensure efficacy and minimize toxicity. Resistance to vancomycin, while less common than with other antibiotics, is a growing concern and requires vigilant stewardship of its use.