Toxicity due to overdose has been reported. 500 mg IV to a child, 2 year of age, resulted in lethal intoxication. Administration of a total of 56 g during 10 days to an adult resulted in renal insufficiency. In certain high-risk conditions (e. g. in case of severe renal impairment) high serum levels and oto- and nephrotoxic effects can occur.
Measures in case of overdose
- A specific antidote is not known.
- Symptomatic treatment while maintaining renal function is required.
- Vancomycin Alphapharm is poorly removed from the blood by haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Haemofiltration or haemoperfusion with polysulfone resins have been used to reduce serum concentrations of Vancomycin Alphapharm.
Supportive care is advised, with maintenance of glomerular filtration.
Vancomycin is poorly removed by dialysis. Haemofiltration and haemoperfusion with Amberlite resin XAD-4 have been reported to be of limited benefit.
Supportive care is advised, with maintenance of glomerular filtration. Vancomycin is poorly removed from the blood by haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Haemoperfusion with Amberlite resin XAD-4 has been reported to be of limited benefit.
Vancomycin Alphapharm should not be administered intramuscularly due to the risk of necrosis at the site of administration.
Vancomycin should not be administered intramuscularly due to the risk of necrosis at the site of administration
Vancomycin Alphapharm has a low pH that may cause chemical or physical instability when it is mixed with other substances. Therefore, each parenteral solution should be checked visually for precipitations and discolouration prior to use.
Combination therapy
In case of combination therapy of Vancomycin Alphapharm with other antibiotics/chemotherapeutics, the preparations should be administered separately.
Mixtures of solutions of Vancomycin Alphapharm and beta-lactam antibiotics have been shown to be physically incompatible. The likelihood of precipitation increases with higher concentrations of Vancomycin Alphapharm. It is recommended to adequately flush the intravenous lines between administration of these antibiotics. It is also recommended to dilute solutions of Vancomycin Alphapharm to 5 mg/ml or less.
Not Applicable.
Vancomycin solution has a low pH that may cause chemical or physical instability when it is mixed with other compounds.
Chemically incompatible with dexamethasone sodium phosphate, Heparin sodium, methicillin sodium, phenobarbitone sodium, sodium bicarbonate.
Summary of the Safety profile
The most common adverse reactions are phlebitis, pseudo-allergic reactions and flushing of the upper body (“red-neck syndromeâ€) in connection with too rapid intravenous use of Vancomycin Alphapharm.
Tabulated List of Adverse reactions
Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
The adverse reactions listed below are defined using the following MedDRA convention and system organ class database:
Very common (> 1/10); common (> 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (> 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (> 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
| MedDRA- system organ class database | Very common | Common | Uncommon | Rare | Very rare | Not known |
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | Reversible neutropenia, agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia | |||||
| Immune system disorders | Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylactic reactions | |||||
| Ear and labyrinth disorders | Transient or permanent loss of hearing | Vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness | ||||
| Cardiac disorders | Cardiac arrest | |||||
| Vascular disorders | Decrease in blood pressure | Vasculitis | ||||
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | Dyspnoea, stridor | |||||
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Nausea | Pseudomembranous enterocolitis | Vomiting, diarrhoea | |||
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Flushing of the upper body (“red man syndromeâ€), exanthema and mucosal inflammation, pruritus, urticaria | Exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Lyell's syndrome, Linear IgA bullous dermatosis | Eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome), AGEP (Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis) | |||
| Renal and urinary disorders | Renal insufficiency manifested primarily by increased serum creatinine and serum urea | Interstitial nephritis, acute renal failure | Acute tubular necrosis | |||
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Phlebitis, redness of the upper body and face | Drug fever, shivering, pain and muscle spasm of the chest and back muscles |
Description of selected adverse drug reactions
Reversible neutropenia usually starting one week or more after onset of intravenous therapy or after total dose of more than 25 g.
During or shortly after rapid infusion anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions including wheezing may occur. The reactions abate when administration is stopped, generally between 20 minutes and 2 hours. Vancomycin Alphapharm should be infused slowly. Necrosis may occur after intramuscular injection.
Tinnitus, possibly preceding onset of deafness, should be regarded as an indication to discontinue treatment.
Ototoxicity has primarily been reported in patients given high doses, or in those on concomitant treatment with other ototoxic medicinal product like aminoglycoside, or in those who had a pre-existing reduction in kidney function or hearing.
If a bullous disorder is suspected, the drug should be discontinued and specialised dermatological assessment should be carried out.
Paediatric population
The safety profile is generally consistent among children and adult patients. Nephrotoxicity has been described in children, usually in association with other nephrotoxic agents such as aminoglycosides.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system listed in: Yellow Card Scheme
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
Summary of the safety profile
The absorption of vancomycin from the gastrointestinal tract is negligible. However, in severe inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, especially in combination with renal insufficiency, side effects that occur when vancomycin is administered parenterally may appear. Therefore, the below mentioned adverse reactions and frequencies related to parenteral vancomycin administration are included.
When vancomycin is administered parenterally, the most common adverse reactions are phlebitis, pseudo-allergic reactions and flushing of the upper body (“red-neck syndromeâ€) in connection with too rapid intravenous infusion of vancomycin.
Tabulated List of Adverse reactions
Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
The adverse reactions listed below are defined using the following MedDRA convention and system organ class database:
Very common (> 1/10); common (> 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (> 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (> 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
| System organ class | |
| Frequency | Adverse reaction |
| Blood and the lymphatic system disorders: | |
| Rare | Reversible neutropenia, agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia. |
| Immune system disorders: | |
| Rare | Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylactic reactions |
| Ear and labyrinth disorders: | |
| Uncommon | Transient or permanent loss of hearing |
| Rare | Vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness |
| Cardiac disorders | |
| Very rare | Cardiac arrest |
| Vascular disorders: | |
| Common | Decrease in blood pressure |
| Rare | Vasculitis |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: | |
| Common | Dyspnoea, stridor |
| Gastrointestinal disorders: | |
| Rare | Nausea |
| Very rare | Pseudomembranous enterocolitis |
| Not known | Vomiting, diarrhoea |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: | |
| Common | Flushing of the upper body (“red man syndromeâ€), exanthema and mucosal inflammation, pruritus, urticaria |
| Very rare | Exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Lyell's syndrome, Linear IgA bullous dermatosis |
| Not known | Eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome), AGEP (Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis) |
| Renal and urinary disorders: | |
| Common | Renal insufficiency manifested primarily by increased serum creatinine and serum urea |
| Rare | Interstitial nephritis, acute renal failure |
| Not known | Acute tubular necrosis |
| General disorders and administration site conditions: | |
| Common | Phlebitis, redness of the upper body and face |
| Rare | Drug fever, shivering, pain and muscle spasm of the chest and back muscles |
Description of selected adverse drug reactions
Reversible neutropenia usually starting one week or more after onset of intravenous therapy or after total dose of more than 25 g.
Intravenous vancomycin should be infused slowly. During or shortly after rapid infusion anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions including wheezing may occur. The reactions abate when administration is stopped, generally between 20 minutes and 2 hours. Necrosis may occur after intramuscular injection.
Tinnitus, possibly preceding onset of deafness, should be regarded as an indication to discontinue treatment.
Ototoxicity has primarily been reported in patients given high doses, or in those on concomitant treatment with other ototoxic medicinal product like aminoglycoside, or in those who had a pre-existing reduction in kidney function or hearing.
If a bullous disorder is suspected, the drug should be discontinued and specialised dermatological assessment should be carried out.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Summary of the Safety profile
The most common adverse reactions are phlebitis, pseudo-allergic reactions and flushing of the upper body (“red-neck syndromeâ€) in connection with too rapid intravenous infusion of vancomycin.
The absorption of vancomycin from the gastrointestinal tract is negligible. However, in severe inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, especially in combination with renal insufficiency, adverse reactions that occur when vancomycin is administered parenterally may appear.
Tabulated List of Adverse reactions
Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
The adverse reactions listed below are defined using the following MedDRA convention and system organ class database:
Very common (> 1/10); common (> 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (> 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (> 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
| System organ class | |
| Frequency | Adverse reaction |
| Blood and the lymphatic system disorders: | |
| Rare | Reversible neutropenia, agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia |
| Immune system disorders: | |
| Rare | Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylactic reactions |
| Ear and labyrinth disorders: | |
| Uncommon | Transient or permanent loss of hearing |
| Rare | Vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness |
| Cardiac disorders | |
| Very rare | Cardiac arrest |
| Vascular disorders: | |
| Common | Decrease in blood pressure |
| Rare | Vasculitis |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: | |
| Common | Dyspnoea, stridor |
| Gastrointestinal disorders: | |
| Rare | Nausea |
| Very rare | Pseudomembranous enterocolitis |
| Not known | Vomiting, Diarrhoea |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: | |
| Common | Flushing of the upper body (“red man syndromeâ€), exanthema and mucosal inflammation, pruritus, urticaria |
| Very rare | Exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Lyell's syndrome, Linear IgA bullous dermatosis |
| Not known | Eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome), AGEP (Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis) |
| Renal and urinary disorders: | |
| Common | Renal insufficiency manifested primarily by increased serum creatinine and serum urea |
| Rare | Interstitial nephritis, acute renal failure. |
| Not known | Acute tubular necrosis |
| General disorders and administration site conditions: | |
| Common | Phlebitis, redness of the upper body and face. |
| Rare | Drug fever, shivering, pain and muscle spasm of the chest and back muscles |
Description of selected adverse drug reactions
Reversible neutropenia usually starting one week or more after onset of intravenous therapy or after total dose of more than 25 g.
During or shortly after rapid infusion anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions including wheezing may occur. The reactions abate when administration is stopped, generally between 20 minutes and 2 hours. Vancomycin should be infused slowly. Necrosis may occur after intramuscular injection.
Tinnitus, possibly preceding onset of deafness, should be regarded as an indication to discontinue treatment.
Ototoxicity has primarily been reported in patients given high doses, or in those on concomitant treatment with other ototoxic medicinal product like aminoglycoside, or in those who had a pre-existing reduction in kidney function or hearing.
If a bullous disorder is suspected, the drug should be discontinued and specialised dermatological assessment should be carried out.
Paediatric population
The safety profile is generally consistent among children and adult patients. Nephrotoxicity has been described in children, usually in association with other nephrotoxic agents such as aminoglycosides.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via:
United Kingdom
Yellow Card Scheme
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
Malta
ADR Reporting
Website: www.medicinesauthority.gov.mt/adrportal
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology and repeated dose toxicity.
Limited data on mutagenic effects show negative results, long-term studies in animals regarding a carcinogenic potential are not available. In teratogenicity studies, where rats and rabbits received doses approximately corresponding to the human dose based on body surface (mg/m2), no direct or indirect teratogenic effects were observed.
Animal studies of the use during the perinatal/postnatal period and regarding effects on fertility are not available.
There are no preclinical data of relevance to the prescriber in addition to that summarised in other sections of the Summary of Product Characteristics
Not applicable.
Intravenous administration
Vancomycin Alphapharm is indicated in all age groups for the treatment of the following infections :
- complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTI)
- bone and joint infections
- community acquired pneumonia (CAP)
- hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP), including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
- infective endocarditis
Vancomycin Alphapharm is also indicated in all age groups for the perioperative antibacterial prophylaxis in patients that are at high risk of developing bacterial endocarditis when undergoing major surgical procedures.
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Vancomycin capsules are indicated in patients 12 years and older for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Intravenous administration
Vancomycin is indicated in all age groups for the treatment of the following infections :
- complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTI)
- bone and joint infections
- community acquired pneumonia (CAP)
- hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP), including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
- infective endocarditis
- acute bacterial meningitis
- bacteraemia that occurs in association with, or is suspected to be associated with, any of the above.
Vancomycin is also indicated in all age groups for the perioperative antibacterial prophylaxis in patients that are at high risk of developing bacterial endocarditis when undergoing major surgical procedures.
Oral administration
Vancomycin is indicated in all age groups for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Glycopeptide antibacterials, ATC Code: J01XA01.
Mechanism of action
Vancomycin Alphapharm is a tricyclic glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits the synthesis of the cell wall in sensitive bacteria by binding with high affinity to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of cell wall precursor units. The drug is slowly bactericidal for dividing microorganisms. In addition, it impairs the permeability of the bacterial cell membrane and RNA synthesis.
Pharmacokinetic/ Pharmacodynamic relationship
Vancomycin Alphapharm displays concentration-independent activity with the area under the concentration curve (AUC) divided by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the target organism as the primary predictive parameter for efficacy. On basis of in vitro, animal and limited human data, an AUC/MIC ratio of 400 has been established as a PK/PD target to achieve clinical effectiveness with Vancomycin Alphapharm. To achieve this target when MICs are > 1.0 mg/l, dosing in the upper range and high trough serum concentrations (15-20 mg/l) are required.
Mechanism of resistance
Acquired resistance to glycopeptides is most common in enterococci and is based on acquisition of various van gene complexes which modifies the D-alanyl-D-alanine target to D-alanyl-D-lactate or D-alanyl-D-serine which bind Vancomycin Alphapharm poorly. In some countries, increasing cases of resistance are observed particularly in enterococci; multi-resistant strains of Enterococcus faecium are especially alarming.
Van genes have rarely been found in Staphylococcus aureus, where changes in cell wall structure result in “intermediate†susceptibility, which is most commonly heterogeneous. Also, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus strains (MRSA) with reduced susceptibility for Vancomycin Alphapharm were reported. The reduced susceptibility or resistance to Vancomycin Alphapharm in Staphylococcus is not well understood. Several genetic elements and multiple mutations are required.
There is no cross-resistance between Vancomycin Alphapharm and other classes of antibiotics. Cross-resistance with other glycopeptide antibiotics, such as teicoplanin, does occur. Secondary development of resistance during therapy is rare.
Synergism
The combination of Vancomycin Alphapharm with an aminoglycoside antibiotic has a synergistic effect against many strains of Staphylococcus aureus, non-enterococcal group D-streptococci, enterococci and streptococci of the Viridans group. The combination of Vancomycin Alphapharm with a cephalosporin has a synergistic effect against some oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strains, and the combination of Vancomycin Alphapharm with rifampicin has a synergistic effect against Staphylococcus epidermidis and a partial synergistic effect against some Staphylococcus aureus strains. As Vancomycin Alphapharm in combination with a cephalosporin may also have an antagonistic effect against some Staphylococcus epidermidis strains and in combination with rifampicin against some Staphylococcus aureus strains, preceding synergism testing is useful.
Specimens for bacterial cultures should be obtained in order to isolate and identify the causative organisms and to determine their susceptibility to Vancomycin Alphapharm.
Susceptibility testing breakpoints
Vancomycin Alphapharm is active against gram-positive bacteria, such as staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci, pneumococci, and clostridia. Gram-negative bacteria are resistant.
The prevalence of acquired resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. As necessary, expert advice should be sought when the local prevalence of resistance is such that the utility of the agent in at least some types of infections is questionable. This information only provides approximate guidance on the chance whether micro-organisms are susceptible to Vancomycin Alphapharm.
Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints established by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) are as follows:
| Susceptible | Resistant | |
| Staphylococcus aureus1 | ≤ 2 mg/L | > 2 mg/L |
| Coagulase-negative staphylococci1 | ≤ 4 mg/L | > 4 mg/L |
| Enterococcus spp. | ≤ 4 mg/L | > 4 mg/L |
| Streptococcus groups A, B, C and G | ≤ 2 mg/L | > 2 mg/L |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae | ≤ 2 mg/L | > 2 mg/L |
| Gram-positive anaerobes | ≤ 2 mg/L | > 2 mg/L |
1S. aureus with Vancomycin Alphapharm MIC values of 2 mg/L are on the border of the wild type distribution and there may be an impaired clinical response.
| Commonly susceptible species |
| Gram positive Enterococcus faecalis Staphylococcus aureus Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus coagulase-negative Staphylococci Streptococcus spp. Streptococcus pneumoniae Enteroccocus spp. Staphylococcus spp. Anaerobic species Clostridium spp. except Clostridium innocuum Eubacterium spp. Peptostreptococcus spp. |
| Species for which acquired resistance may be a problem |
| Enterococcus faecium |
| Inherently resistant |
| All Gram negative bacteria Gram positive aerobic species Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Heterofermentative Lactobacillus Leuconostoc spp Pediococcus spp. Anaerobic species Clostridium innocuum |
| The emergence of resistance towards Vancomycin Alphapharm differs from one hospital to another and a local microbiological laboratory should therefore be contacted for relevant local information. |
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antibiotics, ATC Code: A07 AA09.
Mechanism of action
Vancomycin is a tricyclic glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits the synthesis of the cell wall in sensitive bacteria by binding with high affinity to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of cell wall precursor units. The drug is bactericidal for dividing microorganisms. In addition, it impairs the permeability of the bacterial cell membrane and RNA synthesis.
Mechanism of resistance
Acquired resistance to glycopeptides is most common in enterococci and is based on acquisition of various van gene complexes which modifies the D-alanyl-D-alanine target to D-alanyl-D-lactate or D-alanyl-D-serine which bind vancomycin poorly. In some countries, increasing cases of resistance are observed particularly in enterococci; multi-resistant strains of Enterococcus faecium are especially alarming.
Van genes have rarely been found in Staphylococcus aureus, where changes in cell wall structure result in “intermediate†susceptibility, which is most commonly heterogeneous. Also, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus strains (MRSA) with reduced susceptibility for vancomycin were reported. The reduced susceptibility or resistance to vancomycin in Staphylococcus is not well understood. Several genetic elements and multiple mutations are required.
There is no cross-resistance between vancomycin and other classes of antibiotics. Cross-resistance with other glycopeptide antibiotics, such as teicoplanin, does occur. Secondary development of resistance during therapy is rare.
Susceptibility testing breakpoints
The prevalence of acquired resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. As necessary, expert advice should be sought when the local prevalence of resistance is such that the utility of the agent in at least some types of infections is questionable. This information only provides approximate guidance on the chance whether micro-organisms are susceptible to vancomycin.
Minimum inhibitory concentration breakpoints established by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) are as follows:
|
Clostridium difficile1 | Susceptible ≤ 2 mg/L | Resistant > 2 mg/L |
1The breakpoints are based on epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs), which distinguish wild-type isolates from those with reduced susceptibility.
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiinfectives for systemic use
Therapeutic subgroup: Antibacterials for systemic use
Pharmacological subgroup: Other antibacterials
Chemical subgroup: Glycopeptide antibacterials
ATC Code: J01X01
Mechanism of action
Vancomycin is a tricyclic glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits the synthesis of the cell wall in sensitive bacteria by binding with high affinity to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of cell wall precursor units. The drug is slowly bactericidal for dividing microorganisms. In addition, it impairs the permeability of the bacterial cell membrane and RNA synthesis.
Pharmacokinetic/ Pharmacodynamic relationship
Vancomycin displays concentration-independent activity with the area under the concentration curve (AUC) divided by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the target organism as the primary predictive parameter for efficacy. On basis of in vitro, animal and limited human data, an AUC/MIC ratio of 400 has been established as a PK/PD target to achieve clinical effectiveness with vancomycin. To achieve this target when MICs are > 1.0 mg/l, dosing in the upper range and high trough serum concentrations (15-20 mg/l) are required.
Mechanism of resistance
Acquired resistance to glycopeptides is most common in enterococci and is based on acquisition of various van gene complexes which modifies the D-alanyl-D-alanine target to D-alanyl-D-lactate or D-alanyl-D-serine which bind vancomycin poorly. In some countries, increasing cases of resistance are observed particularly in enterococci; multi-resistant strains of Enterococcus faecium are especially alarming.
Van genes have rarely been found in Staphylococcus aureus, where changes in cell wall structure result in “intermediate†susceptibility, which is most commonly heterogeneous. Also, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus strains (MRSA) with reduced susceptibility for vancomycin were reported. The reduced susceptibility or resistance to vancomycin in Staphylococcus is not well understood. Several genetic elements and multiple mutations are required.
There is no cross-resistance between vancomycin and other classes of antibiotics. Cross-resistance with other glycopeptide antibiotics, such as teicoplanin, does occur. Secondary development of resistance during therapy is rare.
Synergism
The combination of vancomycin with an aminoglycoside antibiotic has a synergistic effect against many strains of Staphylococcus aureus, non-enterococcal group D-streptococci, enterococci and streptococci of the Viridans group. The combination of vancomycin with a cephalosporin has a synergistic effect against some oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strains, and the combination of vancomycin with rifampicin has a synergistic effect against Staphylococcus epidermidis and a partial synergistic effect against some Staphylococcus aureus strains. As vancomycin in combination with a cephalosporin may also have an antagonistic effect against some Staphylococcus epidermidis strains and in combination with rifampicin against some Staphylococcus aureus strains, preceding synergism testing is useful.
Specimens for bacterial cultures should be obtained in order to isolate and identify the causative organisms and to determine their susceptibility to vancomycin.
Susceptibility testing breakpoints
Vancomycin is active against gram-positive bacteria, such as staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci, pneumococci, and clostridia. Gram-negative bacteria are resistant.
The prevalence of acquired resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. As necessary, expert advice should be sought when the local prevalence of resistance is such that the utility of the agent in at least some types of infections is questionable. This information only provides approximate guidance on the chance whether micro-organisms are susceptible to vancomycin.
Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints established by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) are as follows:
|
| Susceptible | Resistant |
| Staphylococcus aureus1 | ≤ 2 mg/L | > 2 mg/L |
| Coagulase-negative staphylococci1 | ≤ 4 mg/L | > 4 mg/L |
| Enterococcus spp. | ≤ 4 mg/L | > 4 mg/L |
| Streptococcus groups A, B, C and G | ≤ 2 mg/L | > 2 mg/L |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae | ≤ 2 mg/L | > 2 mg/L |
| Gram positive anaerobes | ≤ 2 mg/L | > 2 mg/L |
1 S. aureus with vancomycin MIC values of 2 mg/L are on the border of the wild type distribution and there may be an impaired clinical response.
| Commonly susceptible species |
| Gram positive Enterococcus faecalis Staphylococcus aureus Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus coagulase-negative Staphylococci Streptococcus spp. Streptococcus pneumoniae Enteroccocus spp. Staphylococcus spp. Anaerobic species Clostridium spp. except Clostridium innocuum Eubacterium spp. Peptostreptococcus spp. |
| Species for which acquired resistance may be a problem |
| Enterococcus faecium |
| Inherently resistant |
| All Gram negative bacteria Gram positive aerobic species Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Heterofermentative Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc spp Pediococcus spp. Anaerobic species Clostridium innocuum |
| The emergence of resistance towards vancomycin differs from one hospital to another and a local microbiological laboratory should therefore be contacted for relevant local information. |
Absorption
Vancomycin Alphapharm is administered intravenously for the treatment of systemic infections.
In the case of patients with normal renal function, intravenous infusion of multiple doses of 1g Vancomycin Alphapharm (15 mg/kg) for 60 minutes produces approximate average plasma concentrations of 50-60 mg/L, 20-25 mg/L and 5-10 mg/L, immediately, 2 hours and 11 hours after completing the infusion, respectively. The plasma levels obtained after multiple doses are similar to those achieved after a single dose.
Distribution
The volume of distribution is about 60 L/1.73 m2 body surface. At serum concentrations of Vancomycin Alphapharm of 10 mg/l to 100 mg/l, the binding of the drug to plasma proteins is approximately 30-55%, measured by ultra-filtration.
Vancomycin Alphapharm diffuses readily across the placenta and is distributed into cord blood. In non-inflamed meninges, Vancomycin Alphapharm passes the blood-brain barrier only to a low extent.
Biotransformation
There is very little metabolism of the drug. After parenteral administration it is excreted almost completely as microbiologically active substance (approx. 75-90% within 24 hours) through glomerular filtration via the kidneys.
Elimination
The elimination half-life of Vancomycin Alphapharm is 4 to 6 hours in patients with normal renal function and 2.2-3 hours in children. Plasma clearance is about 0.058 L/kg/h and kidney clearance about 0.048 L/kg/h. In the first 24 hours, approximately 80 % of an administered dose of Vancomycin Alphapharm is excreted in the urine through glomerular filtration. Renal dysfunction delays the excretion of Vancomycin Alphapharm. In anephric patients, the mean half-life is 7.5 days. Due to ototoxicity of Vancomycin Alphapharm therapy-adjuvant monitoring of the plasma concentrations is indicated in such cases.
Biliary excretion is insignificant (less than 5% of a dose).
Although the Vancomycin Alphapharm is not eliminated efficiently by haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, there have been reports of an increase in Vancomycin Alphapharm clearance with haemoperfusion and haemofiltration.
Linerarity/non-linearity
Vancomycin Alphapharm concentration generally increases proportionally with increasing dose. Plasma concentrations during multiple dose administration are similar to those after the administration of a single dose.
Characteristics in specific groups
Renal impairment
Vancomycin Alphapharm is primarily cleared by glomerular filtration. Posology and method of administration.
Hepatic impairment
Vancomycin Alphapharm pharmacokinetics is not altered in patients with hepatic impairment.
Pregnant Women
Significantly increased doses may be required to achieve therapeutic serum concentrations in pregnant women.
Overweight patients
Vancomycin Alphapharm distribution may be altered in overweight patients due to increases in volume of distribution, in renal clearance and possible changes in plasma protein binding. In these subpopulations Vancomycin Alphapharm serum concentration was found higher than expected in male healthy adults.
Paediatric population
Vancomycin Alphapharm PK has shown wide inter-individual variability in preterm and term neonates. In neonates, after intravenous administration, Vancomycin Alphapharm volume of distribution varies between 0.38 and 0.97 L/kg, similar to adult values, while clearance varies between 0.63 and 1.4 ml/kg/min. Half-life varies between 3.5 and 10 h and is longer than in adults, reflecting the usual lower values for clearance in the neonate.
In infants and older children, the volume of distribution ranges between 0.26-1.05 L/kg while clearance varies between 0.33-1.87 ml/kg/min.
Absorption
Vancomycin is not usually absorbed into the blood after oral administration. However, absorption may be enhanced in patients with inflammatory disorders of the intestinal mucosa or with Clostridium difficile-induced pseudomembranous colitis. This may lead to vancomycin accumulation in patients with co-existing renal impairment.
Elimination
An oral dose is excreted almost exclusively in the faeces. During multiple dosing of 250 mg every 8 hours for 7 doses, faecal concentrations of vancomycin, in volunteers, exceeded 100 mg/kg in the majority of samples. No blood concentrations were detected and urinary recovery did not exceed 0.76%.
Absorption
Vancomycin is administered intravenously for the treatment of systemic infections.
In the case of patients with normal renal function, intravenous infusion of multiple doses of 1g vancomycin (15 mg/kg) for 60 minutes produces approximate average plasma concentrations of 50-60 mg/L, 20-25 mg/L and 5-10 mg/L, immediately, 2 hours and 11 hours after completing the infusion, respectively. The plasma levels obtained after multiple doses are similar to those achieved after a single dose.
Vancomycin is not usually absorbed into the blood after oral administration. However, absorption may occur after oral administration in patients with (pseudomembranous) colitis. This may lead to vancomycin accumulation in patients with co-existing renal impairment.
Distribution
The volume of distribution is about 60 L/1.73 m2 body surface. At serum concentrations of vancomycin of 10 mg/l to 100 mg/l, the binding of the drug to plasma proteins is approximately 30-55%, measured by ultra-filtration.
Vancomycin diffuses readily across the placenta and is distributed into cord blood. In non-inflamed meninges, vancomycin passes the blood-brain barrier only to a low extent.
Biotransformation
There is very little metabolism of the drug. After parenteral administration it is excreted almost completely as microbiologically active substance (approx. 75-90% within 24 hours) through glomerular filtration via the kidneys.
Elimination
The elimination half-life of vancomycin is 4 to 6 hours in patients with normal renal function and 2.2-3 hours in children. Plasma clearance is about 0.058 L/kg/h and kidney clearance about 0.048 L/kg/h. In the first 24 hours, approximately 80 % of an administered dose of vancomycin is excreted in the urine through glomerular filtration. Renal dysfunction delays the excretion of vancomycin. In anephric patients, the mean half-life is 7.5 days. Due to ototoxicity of vancomycin therapy-adjuvant monitoring of the plasma concentrations is indicated in such cases.
Biliary excretion is insignificant (less than 5% of a dose).
Although the vancomycin is not eliminated efficiently by haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, there have been reports of an increase in vancomycin clearance with haemoperfusion and haemofiltration.
After oral administration, only a fraction of the administered dose is recovered in the urine. In contrast, high concentrations of vancomycin are found in the faeces (>3100 mg/kg with doses of 2 g/day).
Linerarity/non-linearity
Vancomycin concentration generally increases proportionally with increasing dose. Plasma concentrations during multiple dose administration are similar to those after the administration of a single dose.
Characteristics in specific groups
Renal impairment
Vancomycin is primarily cleared by glomerular filtration.
Hepatic impairment
Vancomycin pharmacokinetics is not altered in patients with hepatic impairment.
Pregnant Women:
Significantly increased doses may be required to achieve therapeutic serum concentrations in pregnant women.
Overweight patients
Vancomycin distribution may be altered in overweight patients due to increases in volume of distribution, in renal clearance and possible changes in plasma protein binding. In these subpopulations vancomycin serum concentration were found higher than expected in male healthy adults.
Paediatric population
Vancomycin PK has shown wide inter-individual variability in preterm and term neonates. In neonates, after intravenous administration, vancomycin volume of distribution varies between 0.38 and 0.97 L/kg, similar to adult values, while clearance varies between 0.63 and 1.4 ml/kg/min. Half-life varies between 3.5 and 10 h and is longer than in adults, reflecting the usual lower values for clearance in the neonate.
In infants and older children, the volume of distribution ranges between 0.26-1.05 L/kg while clearance varies between 0.33-1.87 ml/kg/min.
Hypersensitivity reactions
Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions are possible. In case of hypersensitivity reactions, treatment with Vancomycin Alphapharm must be discontinued immediately and the adequate emergency measures must be initiated.
In patients receiving Vancomycin Alphapharm over a longer-term period or concurrently with other medications which may cause neutropenia or agranulocytosis, the leukocyte count should be monitored at regular intervals. All patients receiving Vancomycin Alphapharm should have periodic haematologic studies, urine analysis, liver and renal function tests.
Vancomycin Alphapharm should be used with caution in patients with allergic reactions to teicoplanin, since cross hypersensitivity, including fatal anaphylactic shock, may occur.
Spectrum of antibacterial activity
Vancomycin Alphapharm has a spectrum of antibacterial activity limited to Gram-positive organisms. It is not suitable for use as a single agent for the treatment of some types of infections unless the pathogen is already documented and known to be susceptible or there is a high suspicion that the most likely pathogen(s) would be suitable for treatment with Vancomycin Alphapharm.
The rational use of Vancomycin Alphapharm should take into account the bacterial spectrum of activity, the safety profile and the suitability of standard antibacterial therapy to treat the individual patient.
Ototoxicity
Ototoxicity, which may be transitory or permanent has been reported in patients with prior deafness, who have received excessive intravenous doses, or who receive concomitant treatment with another ototoxic active substance such as an aminoglycoside. Vancomycin Alphapharm should also be avoided in patients with previous hearing loss. Deafness may be preceded by tinnitus. Experience with other antibiotics suggests that deafness may be progressive despite cessation of treatment. To reduce the risk of ototoxicity, blood levels should be determined periodically and periodic testing of auditory function is recommended.
The elderly are particularly susceptible to auditory damage. Monitoring of vestibular and auditory function in the elderly should be carried out during and after treatment. Concurrent or sequential use of other ototoxic substances should be avoided.
Infusion-related reactions
Rapid bolus administration (i.e. over several minutes) may be associated with exaggerated hypotension (including shock and, rarely, cardiac arrest), histamine like responses and maculopapular or erythematous rash (“red man's syndrome†or “red neck syndromeâ€). Vancomycin Alphapharm should be infused slowly in a dilute solution (2.5 to 5.0 mg/ml) at a rate no greater than 10 mg/min and over a period not less than 60 minutes to avoid rapid infusion-related reactions. Stopping the infusion usually results in a prompt cessation of these reactions.
The frequency of infusion-related reactions (hypotension, flushing, erythema, urticaria and pruritus) increases with the concomitant administration of anaesthetic agents. This may be reduced by administering Vancomycin Alphapharm by infusion over at least 60 minutes, before anaesthetic induction.
Severe bullous reactions
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) has been reported with the use of Vancomycin Alphapharm. If symptoms or signs of SJS (e.g. progressive skin rash often with blisters or mucosal lesions) are present, Vancomycin Alphapharm treatment should be discontinued immediately and specialised dermatological assessment be sought.
Administration site related reactions
Pain and thrombophlebitis may occur in many patients receiving intravenous Vancomycin Alphapharm and are occasionally severe. The frequency and severity of thrombophlebitis can be minimized by administering the medicinal product slowly as a dilute solution and by changing the sites of infusion regularly.
The efficacy and safety of Vancomycin Alphapharm has not been established for the intrathecal, intralumbar and intraventricular routes of administration.
Nephrotoxicity
Vancomycin Alphapharm should be used with care in patients with renal insufficiency, including anuria, as the possibility of developing toxic effects is much higher in the presence of prolonged high blood concentrations. The risk of toxicity is increased by high blood concentrations or prolonged therapy.
Regular monitoring of the blood levels of Vancomycin Alphapharm is indicated in high dose therapy and longer-term use, particularly in patients with renal dysfunction or impaired faculty of hearing as well as in concurrent administration of nephrotoxic or ototoxic substances, respectively.
Paediatric population
The current intravenous dosing recommendations for the paediatric population, in particular for children below 12 years of age, may lead to sub-therapeutic Vancomycin Alphapharm levels in a substantial number of children. However, the safety of increased Vancomycin Alphapharm dosing has not been properly assessed and higher doses than 60 mg/kg/day cannot be generally recommended.
Vancomycin Alphapharm should be used with particular care in premature neonates and young infants, because of their renal immaturity and the possible increase in the serum concentration of Vancomycin Alphapharm. The blood concentrations of Vancomycin Alphapharm should therefore be monitored carefully in these children. Concomitant administration of Vancomycin Alphapharm and anaesthetic agents has been associated with erythema and histamine-like flushing in children. Similarly, concomitant use with nephrotoxic agents such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen for closure of patent ductus arteriosus) or amphotericin B is associated with an increased risk of nephrotoxicity and therefore more frequent monitoring of Vancomycin Alphapharm serum levels and renal function is indicated.
Use in the elderly
The natural decrement of glomerular filtration with increasing age may lead to elevated Vancomycin Alphapharm serum concentrations if dosage is not adjusted.
Drug interactions with anaesthetic agents
Anaesthetic induced myocardial depression may be enhanced by Vancomycin Alphapharm. During anaesthesia, doses must be well diluted and administered slowly with close cardiac monitoring. Position changes should be delayed until the infusion is completed to allow for postural adjustment.
Pseudomembranous enterocolitis
In case of severe persistent diarrhoea the possibility of pseudomembranous enterocolitis that might be life-threatening has to be taken into account. Anti-diarrhoeic medicinal products must not be given.
Superinfection
Prolonged use of Vancomycin Alphapharm may result in the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
Oral use only
This preparation is for oral use only and is not systemically absorbed. Orally administered Vancomycin capsules are not effective for other types of infections.
Potential for systemic absorption
Absorption may be enhanced in patients with inflammatory disorders of the intestinal mucosa or Clostridium difficile-induced pseudomembranous colitis. These patients may be at risk for the development of adverse reactions, especially if there is a concomitant renal impairment. The greater the renal impairment, the greater the risk of developing the adverse reactions associated with the parenteral administration of vancomycin. Monitoring of serum vancomycin concentrations of patients with inflammatory disorders of the intestinal mucosa should be performed.
Nephrotoxicity
Serial monitoring of renal function should be performed when treating patients with underlying renal dysfunction or patients receiving concomitant therapy with an aminoglycoside or other nephrotoxic drugs.
Ototoxicity
Serial tests of auditory function may be helpful in order to minimise the risk of ototoxicity in patients with an underlying hearing loss, or who are receiving concomitant therapy with an ototoxic agent such as an aminoglycoside.
Drug interactions with anti-motility agents and proton pump inhibitors
Anti-motility agents should be avoided and proton pump inhibitor use should be reconsidered.
Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Prolonged use of vancomycin may result in the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
Hypersensitivity reactions
Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions are possible. In case of hypersensitivity reactions, treatment with vancomycin must be discontinued immediately and the adequate emergency measures must be initiated.
In patients receiving vancomycin over a longer-term period or concurrently with other medications which may cause neutropenia or agranulocytosis, the leukocyte count should be monitored at regular intervals. All patients receiving vancomycin should have periodic haematologic studies, urine analysis, liver and renal function tests.
Vancomycin should be used with caution in patients with allergic reactions to teicoplanin, since cross hypersensitivity, including fatal anaphylactic shock, may occur.
Spectrum of antibacterial activity
Vancomycin has a spectrum of antibacterial activity limited to Gram-positive organisms. It is not suitable for use as a single agent for the treatment of some types of infections unless the pathogen is already documented and known to be susceptible or there is a high suspicion that the most likely pathogen(s) would be suitable for treatment with vancomycin.
The rational use of vancomycin should take into account the bacterial spectrum of activity, the safety profile and the suitability of standard antibacterial therapy to treat the individual patient.
Ototoxicity
Ototoxicity, which may be transitory or permanent has been reported in patients with prior deafness, who have received excessive intravenous doses, or who receive concomitant treatment with another ototoxic active substance such as an aminoglycoside. Vancomycin should also be avoided in patients with previous hearing loss. Deafness may be preceded by tinnitus. Experience with other antibiotics suggests that deafness may be progressive despite cessation of treatment. To reduce the risk of ototoxicity, blood levels should be determined periodically and periodic testing of auditory function is recommended.
The elderly are particularly susceptible to auditory damage. Monitoring of vestibular and auditory function in the elderly should be carried out during and after treatment. Concurrent or sequential use of other ototoxic substances should be avoided.
Infusion-related reactions
Rapid bolus administration (i.e. over several minutes) may be associated with exaggerated hypotension (including shock and, rarely, cardiac arrest), histamine like responses and maculopapular or erythematous rash (“red man's syndrome†or “red neck syndromeâ€). Vancomycin should be infused slowly in a dilute solution (2.5 to 5.0 mg/ml) at a rate no greater than 10 mg/min and over a period not less than 60 minutes to avoid rapid infusion-related reactions. Stopping the infusion usually results in a prompt cessation of these reactions.
The frequency of infusion-related reactions (hypotension, flushing, erythema, urticaria and pruritus) increases with the concomitant administration of anaesthetic agents. This may be reduced by administering vancomycin by infusion over at least 60 minutes, before anaesthetic induction.
Severe bullous reactions
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) has been reported with the use of vancomycin. If symptoms or signs of SJS (e.g. progressive skin rash often with blisters or mucosal lesions) are present, vancomycin treatment should be discontinued immediately and specialised dermatological assessment be sought.
Administration site related reactions
Pain and thrombophlebitis may occur in many patients receiving intravenous vancomycin and are occasionally severe. The frequency and severity of thrombophlebitis can be minimized by administering the medicinal product slowly as a dilute solution and by changing the sites of infusion regularly.
The efficacy and safety of vancomycin has not been established for the intrathecal, intralumbar and intraventricular routes of administration.
Nephrotoxicity
Vancomycin should be used with care in patients with renal insufficiency, including anuria, as the possibility of developing toxic effects is much higher in the presence of prolonged high blood concentrations. The risk of toxicity is increased by high blood concentrations or prolonged therapy.
Regular monitoring of the blood levels of vancomycin is indicated in high dose therapy and longer-term use, particularly in patients with renal dysfunction or impaired faculty of hearing as well as in concurrent administration of nephrotoxic or ototoxic substances, respectively.
Paediatric population
The current intravenous dosing recommendations for the paediatric population, in particular for children below 12 years of age, may lead to sub-therapeutic vancomycin levels in a substantial number of children. However, the safety of increased vancomycin dosing has not been properly assessed and higher doses than 60 mg/kg/day cannot be generally recommended.
Vancomycin should be used with particular care in premature neonates and young infants, because of their renal immaturity and the possible increase in the serum concentration of vancomycin. The blood concentrations of vancomycin should therefore be monitored carefully in these children. Concomitant administration of vancomycin and anaesthetic agents has been associated with erythema and histamine-like flushing in children. Similarly, concomitant use with nephrotoxic agents such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen for closure of patent ductus arteriosus) or amphotericin B is associated with an increased risk of nephrotoxicity and therefore more frequent monitoring of vancomycin serum levels and renal function is indicated.
Use in the elderly
The natural decrement of glomerular filtration with increasing age may lead to elevated vancomycin serum concentrations if dosage is not adjusted.
Drug interactions with anaesthetic agents
Anaesthetic induced myocardial depression may be enhanced by vancomycin. During anaesthesia, doses must be well diluted and administered slowly with close cardiac monitoring. Position changes should be delayed until the infusion is completed to allow for postural adjustment.
Pseudomembranous enterocolitis
In case of severe persistent diarrhoea the possibility of pseudomembranous enterocolitis that might be life-threatening has to be taken into account. Anti-diarrhoeic medicinal products must not be given.
Superinfection
Prolonged use of vancomycin may result in the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
Oral administration
Intravenous administration of vancomycin is not effective for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection. Vancomycin should be administered orally for this indication.
Testing for Clostridium difficile colonization or toxin is not recommended in children younger than 1 year due to high rate of asymptomatic colonisation unless severe diarrhoea is present in infants with risk factors for stasis such as Hirschsprung disease, operated anal atresia or other severe motility disorders. Alternative aetiologies should always be sought and Clostridium difficile enterocolitis be proven.
Potential for Systemic Absorption
Absorption may be enhanced in patients with inflammatory disorders of the intestinal mucosa or with Clostridium difficile-induced pseudomembranous colitis. These patients may be at risk for the development of adverse reactions, especially if there is a concomitant renal impairment. The greater the renal impairment, the greater the risk of developing the adverse reactions associated with the parenteral administration of vancomycin. Monitoring of serum vancomycin concentrations of patients with inflammatory disorders of the intestinal mucosa should be performed.
Nephrotoxicity
Serial monitoring of renal function should be performed when treating patients with underlying renal dysfunction or patients receiving concomitant therapy with an aminoglycoside or other nephrotoxic drugs.
Ototoxicity
Serial tests of auditory function may be helpful in order to minimise the risk of ototoxicity in patients with an underlying hearing loss, or who are receiving concomitant therapy with an ototoxic agent such as an aminoglycoside.
Drug interactions with anti-motility agents and proton pump inhibitors
Anti-motility agents should be avoided and proton pump inhibitor use should be reconsidered.
Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Oral vancomycin use increases the chance of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci populations in the gastrointestinal tract. As a consequence, prudent use of oral vancomycin is advised.
Vancomycin Alphapharm has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Not relevant.
Not applicable.
Posology
Where appropriate, Vancomycin Alphapharm should be administered in combination with other antibacterial agents.
Intravenous administration
The initial dose should be based on total body weight. Subsequent dose adjustments should be based on serum concentrations to achieve targeted therapeutic concentrations. Renal function must be taken into consideration for subsequent doses and interval of administration
Patients aged 12 years and older
The recommended dose is 15 to 20 mg/kg of body weight every 8 to 12 h (not to exceed 2 g per dose).
In seriously ill patients, a loading dose of 25-30 mg/kg of body weight can be used to facilitate rapid attainment of target trough serum Vancomycin Alphapharm concentration.
Infants and children aged from one month to less than 12 years of age:
The recommended dose is 10 to 15 mg/kg body weight every 6 hours.
Term neonates (from birth to 27 days of post-natal age) and preterm neonates (from birth to the expected date of delivery plus 27 days)
For establishing the dosing regimen for neonates, the advice of a physician experienced in the management of neonates should be sought. One possible way of dosing Vancomycin Alphapharm in neonates is illustrated in the following table:
| PMA (weeks) | Dose (mg/kg) | Interval of administration (h) |
| <29 | 15 | 24 |
| 29-35 | 15 | 12 |
| >35 | 15 | 8 |
PMA: post-menstrual age [(time elapsed between the first day of the last menstrual period and birth (gestational age) plus the time elapsed after birth (post-natal age)].
Peri-operative prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis in all age groups
The recommended dose is an initial dose of 15 mg/kg prior to induction of anaesthesia. Depending on the duration of surgery, a second Vancomycin Alphapharm dose may be required.
Duration of treatment
Suggested treatment duration is shown in table below. In any case, the duration of treatment should be tailored to the type and severity of infection and the individual clinical response.
| Indication | Treatment duration |
| Complicated skin and soft tissue infections - Non necrotizing - Necrotizing |
7 to 14 days 4 to 6 weeks* |
| Bone and joint infections | 4 to 6 weeks** |
| Community-acquired pneumonia | 7 to 14 days |
| Hospital-acquired pneumonia, including ventilator-associated pneumonia | 7 to 14 days |
| Infective endocarditis | 4 to 6 weeks*** |
*Continue until further debridement is not necessary, patient has clinically improved, and patient is afebrile for 48 to 72 hours
**Longer courses of oral suppression treatment with suitable antibiotics should be considered for prosthetic joint infections
***Duration and need for combination therapy is based on valve-type and organism
Special populations
Elderly
Lower maintenance doses may be required due to the age-related reduction in renal function.
Renal impairment
In adult and paediatric patients with renal impairment, consideration should be given to an initial starting dose followed by serum Vancomycin Alphapharm trough levels rather than to a scheduled dosing regimen, particularly in patients with severe renal impairment or those who undergo renal replacement therapy (RRT) due to the many varying factors that may affect Vancomycin Alphapharm levels in them.
In patients with mild or moderate renal failure, the starting dose must not be reduced. In patients with severe renal failure, it is preferable to prolong the interval of administration rather than administer lower daily doses.
Appropriate consideration should be given to the concomitant administration of medicinal products that may reduce Vancomycin Alphapharm clearance and/or potentiate its undesirable effects.
Vancomycin Alphapharm is poorly dialyzable by intermittent hemodialysis. However, use of high-flux membranes and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) increases Vancomycin Alphapharm clearance and generally requires replacement dosing (usually after the haemodialysis session in case of intermittent haemodialysis).
Adults
Dose adjustments in adult patients could be based on glomerular filtration rate estimated (eGFR) by the following formula:
Men: [Weight (kg) x 140 - age (years)]/ 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dl)
Women: 0.85 x value calculated by the above formula.
The usual starting dose for adult patients is 15 to 20 mg/kg that could be administered every 24 hours in patients with creatinine clearance between 20 to 49 ml/min. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 20 ml/min) or those on renal replacement therapy, the appropriate timing and amount of subsequent doses largely depend on the modality of RRT and should be based on serum Vancomycin Alphapharm trough levels and on residual renal function. Depending on the clinical situation, consideration could be given to withhold the next dose while awaiting the results of Vancomycin Alphapharm levels.
In the critically ill patient with renal insufficiency, the initial loading dose (25 to 30 mg/kg) should not be reduced.
Paediatric population
Dose adjustments in paediatric patients aged 1 year and older could be based on glomerular filtration rate estimated (eGFR) by the revised Schwartz formula:
eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2) = (height cm x 0.413)/ serum creatinine (mg/dl)
eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2) = (height cm x 36.2/serum creatinine (μmol/L)
For neonates and infants below 1 year of age, expert advice should be sought as the revised Schwartz formula is not applicable to them.
Orientative dosing recommendations for the paediatric population are shown in table below that follow the same principles as in adult patients.
| GFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) | IV dose | Frequency |
| 50-30 | 15 mg/kg | 12 hourly |
| 29-10 | 15 mg/kg | 24 hourly |
| < 10 | 10-15 mg/kg | Re-dose based on levels* |
| Intermittent haemodialysis | ||
| Peritoneal dialysis | ||
| Continuous renal replacement therapy | 15 mg/kg | Re-dose based on levels* |
*The appropriate timing and amount of subsequent doses largely depends on the modality of RRT and should be based on serum Vancomycin Alphapharm levels obtained prior to dosing and on residual renal function. Depending on the clinical situation, consideration could be given to withhold the next dose while awaiting the results of Vancomycin Alphapharm levels.
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment is needed in patients with hepatic insufficiency.
Pregnancy
Significantly increased doses may be required to achieve therapeutic serum concentrations in pregnant women.
Obese patients
In obese patients, the initial dose should be individually adapted according to total body weight as in non-obese patients.
Monitoring of Vancomycin Alphapharm serum concentrations
The frequency of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) needs to be individualized based on the clinical situation and response to treatment, ranging from daily sampling that may be required in some hemodynamically unstable patients to at least once weekly in stable patients showing a treatment response. In patients with normal renal function, the serum concentration of Vancomycin Alphapharm should be monitored on the second day of treatment immediately prior to the next dose.
In patients on intermittent haemodialysis, Vancomycin Alphapharm levels should be usually obtained before the start of the haemodialysis session.
Therapeutic trough (minimum) Vancomycin Alphapharm blood levels should normally be 10-20 mg/l, depending on the site of infection and susceptibility of the pathogen. Trough values of 15-20 mg/l are usually recommended by clinical laboratories to better cover susceptible-classified pathogens with MIC >1 mg/L.
Model-based methods may be useful in the prediction of individual dose requirements to reach an adequate AUC. The model-based approach can be used both in calculating the personalized starting dose and for dose adjustments based on TDM results.
Method of administration:
Intravenous administration
Intravenous Vancomycin Alphapharm is usually administered as an intermittent infusion and the dosing recommendations presented in this section for the intravenous route correspond to this type of administration.
Vancomycin Alphapharm shall only be administered as slow intravenous infusion of at least one hour duration or at a maximum rate of 10 mg/min (whichever is longer) which is sufficiently diluted (at least 100 ml per 500 mg or at least 200 ml per 1000 mg).
Patients whose fluid intake must be limited can also receive a solution of 500 mg/50 ml or 1000 mg/100 ml, although the risk of infusion-related undesirable effects can be increased with these higher concentrations.
.Continuous Vancomycin Alphapharm infusion may be considered, e.g., in patients with unstable Vancomycin Alphapharm clearance.
Posology:
Adults and adolescents aged 12 to less than 18 years old
The recommended vancomycin dose is 125 mg every 6 hours for 10 days for the first episode of non-severe CDI. This dose can be increased to 500 mg every 6 hours for 10 days in case of severe or complicated disease. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 2 g.
In patients with multiple recurrences, consideration may be given to treat the current episode of CDI with vancomycin, 125 mg four times daily for 10 days followed by either tapering the dose, i.e., gradually decreasing it until 125 mg per day or a pulse regimen, i.e., 125-500 mg/day every 2-3 days for at least 3 weeks.
Treatment duration with vancomycin may need to be tailored to the clinical course of individual patients. Whenever possible the antibacterial suspected to have caused CDI should be discontinued. Adequate replacement of fluid and electrolytes should be instituted.
Monitoring vancomycin serum concentrations after oral administration in patients with inflammatory intestinal disorders should be performed.
Special populations
Renal impairment
Due to the very low systemic absorption, dose adjustment is unlikely, unless substantial oral absorption may occur in case of inflammatory intestinal disorders or Clostridium difficile-induced pseudomembranous colitis.
Paediatric population
Vancomycin capsules are not appropriate for the treatment of children under the age of 12 years or for adolescents unable to swallow them. Below 12 years, age-appropriate formulation should be used.
Method of administration
For oral use.
The capsule should not be open and should be taken with plenty of water.
Posology
Where appropriate, vancomycin should be administered in combination with other antibacterial agents.
Intravenous administration
The initial dose should be based on total body weight. Subsequent dose adjustments should be based on serum concentrations to achieve targeted therapeutic concentrations. Renal function must be taken into consideration for subsequent doses and interval of administration.
Patients aged 12 years and older
The recommended dose is 15 to 20 mg/kg of body weight every 8 to 12 h (not to exceed 2 g per dose).
In seriously ill patients, a loading dose of 25-30 mg/kg of body weight can be used to facilitate rapid attainment of target trough serum vancomycin concentration.
Infants and children aged from one month to less than 12 years of age:
The recommended dose is 10 to 15 mg/kg body weight every 6 hours.
Term neonates (from birth to 27 days of post-natal age) and preterm neonates (from birth to the expected date of delivery plus 27 days)
For establishing the dosing regimen for neonates, the advice of a physician experienced in the management of neonates should be sought. One possible way of dosing vancomycin in neonates is illustrated in the following table:
| PMA (weeks) | Dose (mg/kg) | Interval of administration (h) |
| <29 | 15 | 24 |
| 29-35 | 15 | 12 |
| >35 | 15 | 8 |
PMA: post-menstrual age [(time elapsed between the first day of the last menstrual period and birth (gestational age) plus the time elapsed after birth (post-natal age)].
Peri-operative prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis in all age groups
The recommended dose is an initial dose of 15 mg/kg prior to induction of anaesthesia. Depending on the duration of surgery, a second vancomycin dose may be required.
Duration of treatment
Suggested treatment duration is shown in table below. In any case, the duration of treatment should be tailored to the type and severity of infection and the individual clinical response.
| Indication | Treatment Duration |
| Complicated skin and soft tissue infections -Non necrotizing -Necrotizing | 7 to 14 days 4 to 6 weeks* |
| Bone and joint infections | 4 to 6 weeks** |
| Community-aquired pneumonia | 7 to 14 days |
| Hospital acquired pneumonia, including ventilator-associated pneumonia | 7 to 14 days |
| Infective endocarditis | 4 to 6 weeks*** |
| Acute bacterial meningitis | 10 to 21 days |
*Continue until further debridement is not necessary, patient has clinically improved, and patient is afebrile for 48 to 72 hours
**Longer courses of oral suppression treatment should be considered for prosthetic joint infections
***Duration and need for combination therapy is based on valve-type and organism
Special populations
Elderly
Lower maintenance doses may be required due to the age-related reduction in renal function.
Renal impairment
In adult and paediatric patients with renal impairment, consideration should be given to an initial starting dose followed by serum vancomycin trough levels rather than to a scheduled dosing regimen, particularly in patients with severe renal impairment or those who undergo renal replacement therapy (RRT) due to the many varying factors that may affect vancomycin levels in them.
In patients with mild or moderate renal failure, the starting dose must not be reduced. In patients with severe renal failure, it is preferable to prolong the interval of administration rather than administer lower daily doses.
Appropriate consideration should be given to the concomitant administration of medicinal products that may reduce vancomycin clearance and/or potentiate its undesirable effects.
Vancomycin is poorly dialyzable by intermittent hemodialysis. However, use of high-flux membranes and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) increases vancomycin clearance and generally requires replacement dosing (usually after the haemodialysis session in case of intermittent haemodialysis).
Adults
Dose adjustments in adult patients could be based on glomerular filtration rate estimated (eGFR) by the following formula:
Men: [Weight (kg) x 140 - age (years)]/ 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dl)
Women: 0.85 x value calculated by the above formula.
The usual starting dose for adult patients is 15 to 20 mg/kg that could be administered every 24 hours in patients with creatinine clearance between 20 to 49 ml/min. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 20 ml/min) or those on renal replacement therapy, the appropriate timing and amount of subsequent doses largely depend on the modality of RRT and should be based on serum vancomycin trough levels and on residual renal function. Depending on the clinical situation, consideration could be given to withhold the next dose while awaiting the results of vancomycin levels.
In the critically ill patient with renal insufficiency, the initial loading dose (25 to 30 mg/kg) should not be reduced.
Paediatric population
Dose adjustments in paediatric patients aged 1 year and older could be based on glomerular filtration rate estimated (eGFR) by the revised Schwartz formula:
eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2 ) = (height cm x 0.413)/ serum creatinine (mg/dl)
eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2)= (height cm x 36.2/serum creatinine (μmol/L)
For neonates and infants below 1 year of age, expert advice should be sought as the revised Schwartz formula is not applicable to them.
Orientative dosing recommendations for the paediatric population are shown in table below that follow the same principles as in adult patients.
| GFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) | IV dose | Frequency |
| 50-30 | 15 mg/kg | 12 hourly |
| 29-10 | 15 mg/kg | 24 hourly |
| < 10 | 10-15 mg/kg | Re-dose based on levels* |
| Intermittent haemodialysis | ||
| Peritoneal dialysis | ||
| Continuous renal replacement therapy | 15 mg/kg | Re-dose based on levels* |
*The appropriate timing and amount of subsequent doses largely depends on the modality of RRT and should be based on serum vancomycin levels obtained prior to dosing and on residual renal function. Depending on the clinical situation, consideration could be given to withhold the next dose while awaiting the results of vancomycin levels.
Hepatic impairment:
No dose adjustment is needed in patients with hepatic insufficiency.
Pregnancy
Significantly increased doses may be required to achieve therapeutic serum concentrations in pregnant women.
Obese patients
In obese patients, the initial dose should be individually adapted according to total body weight as in non-obese patients.
Oral Administration
Patients aged 12 years and older
Treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI):
The recommended vancomycin dose is 125 mg every 6 hours for 10 days for the first episode of nonsevere CDI. This dose can be increased to 500 mg every 6 hours for 10 days in case of severe or complicated disease. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 2 g.
In patients with multiple recurrences, consideration may be given to treat the current episode of CDI with vancomycin, 125 mg four times daily for 10 days followed by either tapering the dose, i.e., gradually decreasing it until 125 mg per day or a pulse regimen, i.e., 125-500 mg/day every 2-3 days for at least 3 weeks.
Neonates, infants and children less than 12 years old
The recommended vancomycin dose is 10 mg/kg orally every 6 hours for 10 days. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 2 g.
Treatment duration with vancomycin may need to be tailored to the clinical course of individual patients. Whenever possible the antibacterial suspected to have caused CDI should be discontinued.
Adequate replacement of fluid and electrolytes should be ensured.
Monitoring of vancomycin serum concentrations
The frequency of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) needs to be individualized based on the clinical situation and response to treatment, ranging from daily sampling that may be required in some hemodynamically unstable patients to at least once weekly in stable patients showing a treatment response. In patients with normal renal function, the serum concentration of vancomycin should be monitored on the second day of treatment immediately prior to the next dose.
In patients on intermittent haemodialysis, vancomycin levels should be usually obtained before the start of the haemodialysis session.
After oral administration, monitoring vancomycin serum concentrations in patients with inflammatory intestinal disorders should be performed.
Therapeutic trough (minimum) vancomycin blood levels should normally be 10-20 mg/l, depending on the site of infection and susceptibility of the pathogen. Trough values of 15-20 mg/l are usually recommended by clinical laboratories to better cover susceptible pathogens with MIC >1 mg/L.
Model-based methods may be useful in the prediction of individual dose requirements to reach an adequate AUC. The model-based approach can be used both in calculating the personalized starting dose and for dose adjustments based on TDM results.
Method of administration
Intravenous administration
Intravenous vancomycin is usually administered as an intermittent infusion and the dosing recommendations presented in this section for the intravenous route correspond to this type of administration.
Vancomycin shall only be administered as slow intravenous infusion of at least one hour duration or at a maximum rate of 10 mg/min (whichever is longer) which is sufficiently diluted (at least 100 ml per 500 mg or at least 200 ml per 1000 mg).
Patients whose fluid intake must be limited can also receive a solution of 500 mg/50 ml or 1000 mg/100 ml, although the risk of infusion-related undesirable effects can be increased with these higher concentrations.
Continuous vancomycin infusion may be considered, e.g., in patients with unstable vancomycin clearance.
Oral administration
For oral use after dissolution.
The content of one vial should be given to the patient to drink in part quantities or through a stomach tube.
The product must be reconstituted and the resulting concentrate must then be diluted immediately prior to use.
Preparation of the reconstituted concentrate
Dissolve Vancomycin Alphapharm 1000 mg Powder for concentrate for solution for infusion in 20 ml of sterile Water for injection.
One ml of reconstituted concentrate contains 50 mg of Vancomycin Alphapharm.
Appearance of reconstituted concentrate
After reconstitution, the solution is clear and colourless to slightly yellowish brown without visible particles.
Preparation of final diluted Solution for infusion
Reconstituted solutions containing 50 mg/ml of Vancomycin Alphapharm should be further diluted.
Suitable diluents are:
Sodium Chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) Injection
Glucose 50 mg/ml (5%) Injection
Intermittent infusion:
Reconstituted solution containing 1000 mg Vancomycin Alphapharm (50 mg/ml) must be diluted further with at least 200 ml diluent (to 5 mg/ml).
The concentration of Vancomycin Alphapharm in Solution for infusion should not exceed 5 mg/ml.
The desired dose should be administered slowly by intravenous use at a rate of no more than 10 mg/minute, for at least 60 minutes or even longer.
Continuous infusion:
This should be used only if treatment with an intermittent infusion is not possible. Dilute 1000 mg to 2000 mg of dissolved Vancomycin Alphapharm in a sufficient amount of the above suitable diluent and administer it in the form of a drip infusion, so that the patient will receive the prescribed daily dose in 24 hours.
Appearance of diluted solution
After dilution the solution is clear, free from extraneous particles.
Before administration, the reconstituted and diluted solutions should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration. Only clear and colourless solution free from particles should be used.
Disposal
Vials are for single use only. Unused medicinal products must be discarded.
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
No special requirements for disposal.
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
For single use. Discard any unused contents.
Preparation of Solution:
At the time of use, add 10 ml of sterile Water for Injections BP to a 500 mg vial of Vancomycin Alphapharm 500 mg Powder for Concentrate for Infusion. Similarly, add 20 ml of sterile Water for Injections BP to a 1 g vial of Vancomycin Alphapharm 1 g Powder for Concentrate for Infusion. Vials reconstituted in this manner will give a solution of 50 mg/ml.
Further dilution is required depending on method of administration:
(i) Intermittent infusion (the preferred method of administration):
Reconstituted solutions containing 500 mg vancomycin must be diluted with at least 100 ml diluent. Reconstituted solutions containing 1 g vancomycin must be diluted with at least 200 ml diluent.
Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion B.P. or 5% Dextrose Intravenous Infusion B.P. are suitable diluents. The desired dose should be administered by intravenous infusion over a period of at least 60 minutes. If administered over a shorter period of time or in higher concentrations, there is a possibility of inducing marked hypotension in addition to thrombophlebitis.
Rapid administration may also produce flushing and a transient rash over the neck and shoulders.
(ii) Continuous infusion (should only be used when intermittent infusion not feasible):
1 g or 2 g of vancomycin may be added to a sufficiently large volume of Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion B.P. or 5% Dextrose Intravenous Infusion B.P. to permit the desired dose to be infused over twenty-four hours.
(iii) Oral Administration:
The contents of vials for parenteral administration may be used.
