vancomycin (as vancomycin hydrochloride) 100 MG/ML Injectable Solution

Generic Name: VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE
Brand Name: Vancomycin
  • Substance Name(s):
  • VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE

WARNINGS

Infusion Reactions Rapid bolus administration (e.g., over several minutes) may be associated with exaggerated hypotension, including shock and rarely cardiac arrest.

Vancomycin hydrochloride should be administered in a diluted solution over a period of not less than 60 minutes to avoid rapid-infusion-related reactions.

Stopping the infusion usually results in prompt cessation of these reactions.

Nephrotoxicity Systemic vancomycin exposure may result in acute kidney injury (AKI).

The risk of AKI increases as systemic exposure/serum levels increase.

Monitor renal function in all patients, especially patients with underlying renal impairment, patients with co-morbidities that predispose to renal impairment, and patients receiving concomitant therapy with a drug known to be nephrotoxic.

Ototoxicity Ototoxicity has occurred in patients receiving vancomycin hydrochloride.

It may be transient or permanent.

It has been reported mostly in patients who have been given excessive doses, who have an underlying hearing loss, or who are receiving concomitant therapy with another ototoxic agent, such as an aminoglycoside.

Vancomycin should be used with caution in patients with renal insufficiency because the risk of toxicity is appreciably increased by high, prolonged blood concentrations.

Dosage of vancomycin hydrochloride must be adjusted for patients with renal dysfunction (see PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

Severe Dermatologic Reactions Severe dermatologic reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) have been reported in association with the use of vancomycin.

Cutaneous signs or symptoms reported include skin rashes, mucosal lesions, and blisters.

Discontinue vancomycin hydrochloride at the first appearance of signs and symptoms of TEN, SJS, DRESS, AGEP, or LABD.

Clostridium Difficile Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis.

Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C.

difficile .

C.

difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD.

Hypertoxin producing strains of C.

difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy.

CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use.

Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C.

difficile may need to be discontinued.

Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C.

difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Hemorrhagic Occlusive Retinal Vasculitis (HORV) Hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis, including permanent loss of vision, occurred in patients receiving intracameral or intravitreal administration of vancomycin during or after cataract surgery.

The safety and efficacy of vancomycin administered by the intracameral or the intravitreal route have not been established by adequate and well-controlled trials.

Vancomycin is not indicated for the prophylaxis of endophthalmitis.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Drug Interactions Concomitant administration of vancomycin and anesthetic agents has been associated with erythema and histamine-like flushing (see Pediatric Use – PRECAUTIONS ) and anaphylactoid reactions (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ).

Monitor renal function in patients receiving vancomycin and concurrent and/or sequential systemic or topical use of other potentially, neurotoxic and/or nephrotoxic drugs, such as amphotericin B, aminoglycosides, bacitracin, polymyxin B, colistin, viomycin, or cisplatin.

OVERDOSAGE

Supportive care is advised, with maintenance of glomerular filtration.

Vancomycin is poorly removed by dialysis.

Hemofiltration and hemoperfusion with polysulfone resin have been reported to result in increased vancomycin clearance.

The median lethal intravenous dose is 319 mg/kg in rats and 400 mg/kg in mice.

To obtain up-to-date information about the treatment of overdose, a good resource is your certified Regional Poison Control Center.

Telephone numbers of certified poison control centers are listed in the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR).

In managing overdosage, consider the possibility of multiple drug overdoses, interaction among drugs, and unusual drug kinetics in your patient.

DESCRIPTION

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP is an off white to buff-colored lyophilized powder, for preparing intravenous (IV) infusions, in Pharmacy Bulk Package bottles containing the equivalent of 5 grams or 10 grams vancomycin base.

500 mg of the base are equivalent to 0.34 mmol.

When reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection to a concentration of 50 mg per mL for the 5 gram Pharmacy Bulk Package bottle and 100 mg per mL for the 10 gram Pharmacy Bulk Package bottle, the pH of the solution is between 2.5 and 4.5.

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP should be administered intravenously in diluted solution (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP is a tricyclic glycopeptide antibiotic derived from Amycolatopasis orientalis (formerly Nocardia orientalis ).

The chemical name for vancomycin hydrochloride is ( S a )-( 3S , 6R,7R,22R,23S , 26S , 36R,38aR )-44-[[2- O -(3-Amino- 2,3,6-trideoxy-3- C -methyl-α-L- lyxo -hexopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]oxy]-3-(carbamoylmethyl)-10,19-dichloro-2,3,4,5,6,7,23,24,25,26,36,37,38,38a-tetradecahydro- 7,22,28,30,32-pentahydroxy-6-[( 2R )-4-methyl-2-(methylamino)]valeramido]-2,5,24,38,39-pentaoxo- 22H -8,11:18,21-dietheno-23,36-(iminomethano)-13,16:31,35-dimetheno- 1H , 16H -[1,6,9]oxadiazacyclohexadecino[4,5- m ][10,2,16]benzoxadiazacyclotetracosine-26-carboxylic acid, monohydrochloride.

The molecular formula is C 66 H 75 Cl 2 N 9 O 24 •HCl and the molecular weight is 1,485.73.

Vancomycin hydrochloride has the following structural formula: A pharmacy bulk package is a container of a sterile preparation for parenteral use that contains many single doses.

The contents of this pharmacy bulk package are intended for use by a pharmacy admixture service for addition to suitable parenteral fluids in the preparation of admixtures for intravenous infusion (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Directions for Proper Use of Pharmacy Bulk Package ).

FURTHER DILUTION IS REQUIRED.

NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION.

Structural Formula

HOW SUPPLIED

/STORAGE AND HANDLING Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP Pharmacy Bulk Package bottle, is supplied as follows: NDC Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP Package Factor 25021-157-99 5 gram Pharmacy Bulk Package Bottle 1 bottle per carton (equivalent to 5 grams vancomycin) 25021-158-99 10 gram Pharmacy Bulk Package Bottle 1 bottle per carton (equivalent to 10 grams vancomycin)

GERIATRIC USE

Geriatric Use The natural decrement of glomerular filtration with increasing age may lead to elevated vancomycin serum concentrations if dosage is not adjusted.

Vancomycin dosage schedules should be adjusted in elderly patients (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of serious or severe infections caused by susceptible strains of methicillin-resistant (β-lactam-resistant) staphylococci.

It is indicated for penicillin-allergic patients, for patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including the penicillins or cephalosporins, and for infections caused by vancomycin-susceptible organisms that are resistant to other antimicrobial drugs.

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP is indicated for initial therapy when methicillin-resistant staphylococci are suspected, but after susceptibility data are available, therapy should be adjusted accordingly.

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP is effective in the treatment of staphylococcal endocarditis.

Its effectiveness has been documented in other infections due to staphylococci, including septicemia, bone infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin and skin structure infections.

When staphylococcal infections are localized and purulent, antibiotics are used as adjuncts to appropriate surgical measures.

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP has been reported to be effective alone or in combination with an aminoglycoside for endocarditis caused by S.

viridans or S.

bovis .

For endocarditis caused by enterococci (e.g., E.

faecalis ), Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP has been reported to be effective only in combination with an aminoglycoside.

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP has been reported to be effective for the treatment of diphtheroid endocarditis.

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP has been used successfully in combination with either rifampin, an aminoglycoside, or both in early-onset prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by S.

epidermidis or diphtheroids.

Specimens for bacteriologic cultures should be obtained in order to isolate and identify causative organisms and to determine their susceptibilities to vancomycin hydrochloride.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy.

In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

The parenteral form of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP may be administered orally for treatment of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis produced by C.

difficile and for staphylococcal enterocolitis.

Parenteral administration of vancomycin hydrochloride alone is of unproven benefit for these indications.

Vancomycin is not effective by the oral route for other types of infections.

PEDIATRIC USE

Pediatric Use In pediatric patients, it may be appropriate to confirm desired vancomycin serum concentrations.

Concomitant administration of vancomycin and anesthetic agents has been associated with erythema and histamine-like flushing in pediatric patients (see PRECAUTIONS ).

PREGNANCY

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with vancomycin.

It is not known whether vancomycin can affect reproduction capacity.

In a controlled clinical study, the potential ototoxic and nephrotoxic effects of vancomycin hydrochloride on infants were evaluated when the drug was administered to pregnant women for serious staphylococcal infections complicating intravenous drug abuse.

Vancomycin hydrochloride was found in cord blood.

No sensorineural hearing loss or nephrotoxicity attributable to vancomycin hydrochloride was noted.

One infant whose mother received vancomycin in the third trimester experienced conductive hearing loss that was not attributed to the administration of vancomycin.

Because the number of patients treated in this study was limited and vancomycin hydrochloride was administered only in the second and third trimesters, it is not known whether vancomycin hydrochloride causes fetal harm.

Vancomycin should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

NUSRING MOTHERS

Nursing Mothers Vancomycin hydrochloride is excreted in human milk.

Caution should be exercised when vancomycin hydrochloride is administered to a nursing woman.

Because of the potential for adverse events, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

Information for Patients Severe Dermatologic Reactions Advise patients about the signs and symptoms of serious skin manifestations.

Instruct patients to stop Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP immediately and promptly seek medical attention at the first signs or symptoms of skin rash, mucosal lesions and blisters (see WARNINGS ).

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP should only be used to treat bacterial infections.

They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold).

When Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP 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, USP or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued.

Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, 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 antibiotic.

If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The intent of the pharmacy bulk package for this product is for preparation of solutions for IV infusion only.

Infusion-related events are related to both the concentration and the rate of administration of vancomycin.

Concentrations of no more than 5 mg per mL and rates of no more than 10 mg/min, are recommended in adults (see also age-specific recommendations).

In selected patients in need of fluid restriction, a concentration up to 10 mg per mL may be used; use of such higher concentrations may increase the risk of infusion-related events.

An infusion rate of 10 mg/min or less is associated with fewer infusion-related events (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ).

Infusion-related events may occur, however, at any rate or concentration.

Patients With Normal Renal Function Adults The usual daily intravenous dose is 2 grams divided either as 500 mg every 6 hours or 1 gram every 12 hours.

Each dose should be administered at no more than 10 mg/min or over a period of at least 60 minutes, whichever is longer.

Other patient factors, such as age or obesity, may call for modification of the usual intravenous daily dose.

Pediatric patients 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 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 1 st 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.

Patients With Impaired Renal Function and Elderly Patients Dosage adjustment must be made in patients with impaired renal function.

In premature infants and the elderly, greater dosage reductions than expected may be necessary because of decreased renal function.

Measurement of vancomycin serum concentrations can be helpful in optimizing therapy, especially in seriously ill patients with changing renal function.

Vancomycin serum concentrations can be determined by use of microbiologic assay, radioimmunoassay, fluorescence polarization immunoassay, fluorescence immunoassay, or high-pressure liquid chromatography.

If creatinine clearance can be measured or estimated accurately, the dosage for most patients with renal impairment can be calculated using the following table.

The dosage of vancomycin per day in mg is about 15 times the glomerular filtration rate in mL/min (see following table).

DOSAGE TABLE FOR VANCOMYCIN IN PATIENTS WITH IMPAIRED RENAL FUNCTION (Adapted from Moellering et al.

1 ) Creatinine Clearance mL/min Vancomycin Dose mg/24 hr 100 1,545 90 1,390 80 1,235 70 1,080 60 925 50 770 40 620 30 465 20 310 10 155 The initial dose should be no less than 15 mg/kg, even in patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency.

The table is not valid for functionally anephric patients.

For such patients, an initial dose of 15 mg/kg of body weight should be given to achieve prompt therapeutic serum concentrations.

The dose required to maintain stable concentrations is 1.9 mg/kg/24 hr.

In patients with marked renal impairment, it may be more convenient to give maintenance doses of 250 to 1,000 mg once every several days rather than administering the drug on a daily basis.

In anuria, a dose of 1,000 mg every 7 to 10 days has been recommended.

When only serum creatinine is known, the following formula (based on sex, weight and age of the patient) may be used to calculate creatinine clearance.

Calculated creatinine clearances (mL/min) are only estimates.

The creatinine clearance should be measured promptly.

The serum creatinine must represent a steady state of renal function.

Otherwise, the estimated value for creatinine clearance is not valid.

Such a calculated clearance is an overestimate of actual clearance in patients with conditions: (1) characterized by decreasing renal function, such as shock, severe heart failure, or oliguria; (2) in which a normal relationship between muscle mass and total body weight is not present, such as in obese patients or those with liver disease, edema, or ascites; and (3) accompanied by debilitation, malnutrition, or inactivity.

The safety and efficacy of vancomycin administration by the intrathecal (intralumbar or intraventricular) routes have not been established.

Intermittent infusion is the recommended method of administration.

Figure Compatibility with Other Drugs and IV Fluids The following diluents are physically and chemically compatible (with 4 g/L vancomycin hydrochloride): 5% Dextrose Injection, USP 5% Dextrose Injection and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP 5% Dextrose and Lactated Ringer’s Injection Normosol ® -M and 5% Dextrose 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP Isolyte ® E Good professional practice suggests that compounded admixtures should be administered as soon after preparation as is feasible.

Vancomycin solution has a low pH and may cause physical instability of other compounds.

Mixtures of solutions of vancomycin and beta-lactam antibiotics have been shown to be physically incompatible.

The likelihood of precipitation increases with higher concentrations of vancomycin.

It is recommended to adequately flush the intravenous lines between the administration of these antibiotics.

It is also recommended to dilute solutions of vancomycin to 5 mg per mL or less.

Although intravitreal injection is not an approved route of administration for vancomycin, precipitation has been reported after intravitreal injection of vancomycin and ceftazidime for endophthalmitis using different syringes and needles.

The precipitates dissolved gradually, with complete clearing of the vitreous cavity over two months and with improvement of visual acuity.