Vancomycin

Vancomycin Latest News

A study led by the University of Birmingham recently found that vancomycin, a commonly used antibiotic for diarrhea, could effectively treat a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) linked to autoimmune liver disease.

About Vancomycin

• It is a glycopeptide antibioticused to treat severe but susceptible bacterial infections such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
• It is commonly used to treat infections in the bloodstream, skin and soft tissues, heart valves (endocarditis), bones, joints, and certain intestinal infections like C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
• However, this medicine may cause some serious side effects, including damage to your hearing and kidneys. These side effects may be more likely to occur in elderly patients.
• Vancomycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Mechanism of Action of Vancomycin

• Vancomycin works by interfering with the bacterial cell wall synthesis. 
• Bacterial cells have a rigid outer layer called the cell wall, which provides structural support and protects the cell from bursting. 
• Vancomycin binds to specific components in the cell wall, preventing the formation of a stable cell wall structure. 
• As a result, the bacterial cell becomes weak and more susceptible to damage, leading to its death.

Vancomycin FAQs

Q1. What is the drug vancomycin used for?

Ans. Vancomycin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. 

Q2. What class of antibiotic is vancomycin?

Ans. Vancomycin is in a class of medications called glycopeptide antibiotics.

Q3. What is the main side effect of vancomycin?

Ans. It may cause some serious side effects, including damage to your hearing and kidneys.

Source: TOI