Vancomycin HCl

Description: Vancomycin HCl is the hydrochloride of vancomycin that is a narrow-spectrum glycopeptide antibacterial drug used to treat a number of bacterial infections. It is recommended intravenously as a treatment for complicated skin infections, bloodstream infections, endocarditis, bone and joint infections, and meningitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Blood levels may be measured to determine the correct dose. Vancomycin is also recommended by mouth as a treatment for severe Clostridium difficile colitis. When taken by mouth it is very poorly absorbed. Vancomycin acts by inhibiting proper cell wall synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria. Due to the different mechanism by which Gram-negative bacteria produce their cell walls and the various factors related to entering the outer membrane of Gram-negative organisms, vancomycin is not active against them (except some nongonococcal species of Neisseria).

References: J Antimicrob Chemother. 1984 Dec; 14 Suppl D:7-18.; Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2013 Feb; 57(2):689-96.

Related CAS#: 123409-00-7 (HCl hydrate); 1404-90-6 (free base); 213997-73-0 (Norvancomycin hydrochloride)