Vancomycin therapy carries risk to which organ system?

Vancomycin therapy carries risk to which organ system?

• A. Lungs
• B. Kidneys
• C. Liver
• D. Spleen

Answer: (B)

Vancomycin’s main risk is nephrotoxicity, because the drug is cleared by the kidneys and can accumulate in renal tubular cells, leading to acute kidney injury. This risk rises with higher trough levels, longer courses, dehydration, pre-existing kidney disease, and concurrent use of other nephrotoxic meds. Monitoring kidney function (creatinine, BUN) and drug troughs helps guide dosing to prevent harm, with dose adjustments or alternative therapy if renal function declines. The other organs listed are not the typical targets of vancomycin toxicity, so the kidneys are the organ system most at risk.

Vancomycin’s main risk is nephrotoxicity, because the drug is cleared by the kidneys and can accumulate in renal tubular cells, leading to acute kidney injury. This risk rises with higher trough levels, longer courses, dehydration, pre-existing kidney disease, and concurrent use of other nephrotoxic meds. Monitoring kidney function (creatinine, BUN) and drug troughs helps guide dosing to prevent harm, with dose adjustments or alternative therapy if renal function declines. The other organs listed are not the typical targets of vancomycin toxicity, so the kidneys are the organ system most at risk.