Vancomycin Input Calculator

Vancomycin Area Under the Curve-Based Dosing in Obesity: Calculation Dashboard

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic indicated for the treatment of gram-positive infections and is most commonly administered via the intravenous route. Some examples of gram-positive organisms include streptococcal spp., enterococcal spp., and staphylococcus spp., including methicillin susceptible staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), and notably, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is often indicated in serious infections such as bacteremia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, etc. Vancomycin is considered to have a broad spectrum of activity due to its ability to cover many gram-positive organisms, and it exerts its action via inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Additionally, vancomycin has a complex mode of distribution in the body, which depends upon a patient’s weight, muscle mass, fat distribution, etc. This results in a need for individualized dosing across patient populations. While vancomycin has been found to be very effective, it is associated with a narrow therapeutic index, increasing the risk of overdosing or underdosing. Overdosing of vancomycin can result in an increased risk of toxicities, including, but not limited to, liver toxicity, hearing loss, blood clots, and serious rashes. While underdosing of vancomycin can lead to prolonged treatment durations, treatment failure, and increased length of hospitalization. Due to its narrow therapeutic index, vancomycin must be monitored closely during treatment via therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) practices.

External resources

• Youtube video demonstration of the Vancomycin AUC dosing calculator