Intravenous vancomycin is used for which type of infections?

Intravenous vancomycin is used for which type of infections?

• A. Localized skin infections
• B. Systemic infections
• C. Fungal infections
• D. Viral infections

Answer: (B)

Systemic infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria are what intravenous vancomycin is used for. It’s a glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis and is especially important for serious infections due to MRSA and other resistant gram-positives. Because it’s poorly absorbed from the gut, it needs to be given by IV to reach therapeutic blood levels and treat infections that have spread throughout the body. It does not treat fungal or viral infections, since those fall outside its antibacterial spectrum; a localized skin infection might be managed with other agents unless part of a broader systemic process.

Systemic infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria are what intravenous vancomycin is used for. It’s a glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis and is especially important for serious infections due to MRSA and other resistant gram-positives. Because it’s poorly absorbed from the gut, it needs to be given by IV to reach therapeutic blood levels and treat infections that have spread throughout the body. It does not treat fungal or viral infections, since those fall outside its antibacterial spectrum; a localized skin infection might be managed with other agents unless part of a broader systemic process.