Pediatric Patients (Aged 1 month and older)
The usual intravenous dosage of vancomycin is 10 mg/kg per dose given every 6 hours. Each dose should be administered over a period of at least 60 minutes. Close monitoring of serum concentrations of vancomycin may be warranted in these patients.
Neonates (Up to 1 month old)
In pediatric patients, up to the age of 1 month, the total daily intravenous dosage may be lower. In neonates, an initial dose of 15 mg/kg is suggested, followed by 10 mg/kg every 12 hours for neonates in the 1st week of life and every 8 hours thereafter up to the age of 1 month. Each dose should be administered over 60 minutes. In premature infants, vancomycin clearance decreases as postconceptional age decreases. Therefore, longer dosing intervals may be necessary in premature infants. Close monitoring of serum concentrations of vancomycin is recommended in these patients.
Reconstitution of the Lyophilized Powder and further dilution
At the time of use, reconstitute the vials of vancomycin hydrochloride for injection (lyophilized powder) with Sterile Water for Injection to a concentration of 50 mg of vancomycin per mL then further dilute with an infusion solution to a final concentration of 5 mg per mL (see Table 1 for the appropriate volumes). Discard any reconstituted solution remaining in the vial.
Table 1 Volume of Sterile Water for Injection to be Added for Reconstitution and Volume of Infusion Solution to be Used for Further Dilution |
|
| Vancomycin Strength per Vial | Volume of Sterile Water for Injection for reconstitutiona | Volume of infusion solutionb to further dilute to a final concentration of 5 mg per mL |
| 750 mg | 15 mL | 150 mL |
The desired dose diluted in this manner should be administered by intermittent Intravenous infusion over a period of 60 minutes or greater.
Parenteral drug products should be visually inspected for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Discard reconstituted and diluted solutions 14 days after initial reconstitution.
Storage of Diluted Solutions
Solutions that are diluted with 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP may be stored in a refrigerator for 14 days without significant loss of potency.
Solutions that are diluted with the following infusion fluids may be stored in a refrigerator for 96 hours:
5% Dextrose Injection and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP
Lactated Ringer's Injection, USP
Lactated Ringer's and 5% Dextrose Injection, USP
Risk Summary
There are no available data on vancomycin hydrochloride use in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Available published data on vancomycin hydrochloride use in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters have not shown an association with adverse pregnancy related outcomes (see Data). Vancomycin hydrochloride did not show adverse developmental effects when administered intravenously to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses less than or equal to the recommended maximum human dose based on body surface area (see Data).
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Data
Human Data
A published study evaluated hearing loss and nephrotoxicity in infants of pregnant intravenous drug users treated with vancomycin hydrochloride for suspected or documented methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus-aureus in the second or third trimester. The comparison groups were 10 non-intravenous drug-dependent patients who received no treatment, and 10 untreated intravenous drug-dependent patients who served as substance abuse controls. No infant in the vancomycin exposed group had abnormal sensorineural hearing at 3 months of age or nephrotoxicity.
A published prospective study assessed outcomes in 55 pregnant women with a positive Group B streptococcus (GBS) culture and a high-risk penicillin allergy with resistance to clindamycin or unknown sensitivity who were administered vancomycin hydrochloride at the time of delivery. Vancomycin hydrochloride dosing ranged from the standard 1 g intravenously every 12 hours to 20 mg/kg intravenous every 8 hours (maximum individual dose 2 g). No major adverse reactions were recorded either in the mothers or their newborns. None of the newborns had sensorineural hearing loss. Neonatal renal function was not examined, but all of the newborns were discharged in good condition.
Animal Data
Vancomycin hydrochloride did not cause fetal malformations when administered during organogenesis to pregnant rats (gestation days 6 to 15) and rabbits (gestation days 6 to 18) at the equivalent recommended maximum human dose (based on body surface area comparisons) of 200 mg/kg/day intravenous to rats or 120 mg/kg/day intravenous to rabbits. No effects on fetal weight or development were seen in rats at the highest dose tested or in rabbits given 80 mg/kg/day (approximately 1 and 0.8 times the recommended maximum human dose based on body surface area, respectively). Maternal toxicity was observed in rats (at doses 120 mg/kg and above) and rabbits (at 80 mg/kg and above).
Risk Summary
There are insufficient data to inform the levels of vancomycin in human milk. There are no data on the effects of vancomycin on the breastfed infant or milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for vancomycin and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from vancomycin or from the underlying maternal condition.
Distribution
The volume of distribution ranges from 0.3 to 0.43 L/kg after intravenous administration. Vancomycin is approximately 55% serum protein bound as measured by ultrafiltration at vancomycin serum concentrations of 10 to 100 mcg/mL. After intravenous administration of vancomycin hydrochloride, inhibitory concentrations are present in pleural, pericardial, ascitic, and synovial fluids; in urine; in peritoneal dialysis fluid; and in atrial appendage tissue. Vancomycin does not readily diffuse across normal meninges into the spinal fluid; but, when the meninges are inflamed, penetration into the spinal fluid occurs.
Elimination
Mean plasma clearance is about 0.058 L/kg/h, and mean renal clearance is about 0.048 L/kg/h. The mean elimination half-life of vancomycin from plasma is 4 to 6 hours in subjects with normal renal function. In anephric patients, the mean elimination half-life is 7.5 days. Total body and renal clearance of vancomycin may be reduced in the elderly.
Metabolism
There is no apparent metabolism of the vancomycin.
Excretion
In the first 24 hours after intravenous administration, about 75% of an administered dose of vancomycin hydrochloride is excreted in urine by glomerular filtration. Renal impairment slows excretion of vancomycin.
About 60% of an intraperitoneal dose of vancomycin hydrochloride administered during peritoneal dialysis is absorbed systemically in 6 hours. Serum concentrations of about 10 mcg/mL are achieved by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg of vancomycin. However, the safety and efficacy of the intraperitoneal use of vancomycin hydrochloride has not been established in adequate and well-controlled trials [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Mechanism of Action
The bactericidal action of vancomycin results primarily from inhibition of cell-wall biosynthesis. In addition, vancomycin alters bacterial-cell-membrane permeability and RNA synthesis.
Resistance
Vancomycin is not active in vitro against gram-negative bacilli, mycobacteria, or fungi. There is no cross-resistance between vancomycin and other antibacterials.
Interaction With Other Antimicrobials
The combination of vancomycin and an aminoglycoside acts synergistically in vitro against many isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus gallolyticus (previously known as Streptococcus bovis), enterococcus spp, and the viridans group streptococci.
Antimicrobial Activity
Vancomycin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections [see Indications and Usage (1)].
Aerobic Gram-Positive Bacteria
Corynebacterium spp.
Enterococcus spp. (including Enterococcus faecalis)
Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible isolates)
Coagulase negative staphylococci (including S. epidermidis and methicillin-resistant isolates)
Streptococcus gallolyticus (previously known as Streptococcus bovis)
Viridans group streptococci
The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following bacteria exhibit an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for vancomycin against isolates of similar genus or organism group. However, the efficacy of vancomycin in treating clinical infections caused by these bacteria has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.
Aerobic Gram-Positive Bacteria
Listeria monocytogenes
Streptococcus pyogenes
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus agalactiae
Anaerobic Gram-Positive Bacteria
Actinomyces species
Lactobacillus species
Susceptibility Testing
For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.
How Supplied
Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP is a sterile lyophilized powder for injection supplied as a white or off white to light tan colored powder or cake in single-dose flip top vials that contain vancomycin hydrochloride, USP equivalent to 750 mg of vancomycin base. It is available as follows:
| NDC | Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP | Package Factor |
| 71288-024-21 | 750 mg equivalent of vancomycin in a 20 mL single-dose flip top vial with a purple seal | 10 vials per carton |
Infusion Reactions During or After Intravenous Use
Advise patients that generalized skin redness, skin rash, itching, flushing, muscle pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, or dizziness may occur during intravenous infusion of vancomycin hydrochloride for injection. These reactions can be lessened or prevented by infusing the drug over at least 60 minutes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Acute Kidney Injury
Advise patients that vancomycin hydrochloride for injection can result in kidney damage and that blood tests are required to monitor vancomycin blood levels and kidney function during therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Hearing Loss or Balance Problems
Advise patients that vancomycin hydrochloride for injection may result in decreased hearing and to report hearing loss or balance problems to their health care provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Severe Dermatologic Reactions
Advise patients about the signs and symptoms of serious skin manifestations. Instruct patients to stop vancomycin hydrochloride for injection immediately and promptly seek medical attention at the first signs or symptoms of skin rash, mucosal lesions or blisters [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Antibacterial Resistance
Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including vancomycin hydrochloride for injection should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When vancomycin hydrochloride for injection is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by vancomycin hydrochloride for injection or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs, including vancomycin hydrochloride, which usually ends when the antibacterial drug is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibacterial drugs, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibacterial drug. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
meitheal®
Mfd. for Meitheal Pharmaceuticals
Chicago, IL 60631 (USA)
©2022 Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Mfd. by Nanjing King-Friend Biochemical Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Nanjing, China 210061
August 2022
810124-00