Antibiotic
vancomycin Audio
van·co·my·cin [ vang-kuh-mahy-sin, van- ]
Brand Names:
Firvanq; Vancocin
Effect:
Decreased Cell Wall Synthesis & Repair
May Prevent:
Endocarditis, Bacterial
May Treat:
Diarrhea; Endocarditis, Bacterial; Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous; Meningitis, Pneumococcal; Neutropenia; Postoperative Complications; Staphylococcal Infections
More Information:
ChemID; DrugBank; DailyMed; DrugInfo; PDR
Definitions related to vancomycin:
  • A branched tricyclic glycosylated peptide with bactericidal activity against most organisms and bacteriostatic effect on enterococci. At a site different from that of penicillins and cephalosporins, vancomycin binds tightly to the D-alanyl-D-alanine portion of cell wall precursors, thereby interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. This leads to activation of bacterial autolysins that destroy the cell wall by lysis. Vancomycin may also alter the permeability of bacterial cytoplasmic membranes and may selectively inhibit RNA synthesis.
    NCI Thesaurus
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • An antibiotic drug used to fight resistant bacterial infections.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Antibacterial obtained from Streptomyces orientalis. It is a glycopeptide related to RISTOCETIN that inhibits bacterial cell wall assembly and is toxic to kidneys and the inner ear.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • Vancomycin is a bactericidal antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis. Vancomycin is not appreciably absorbed from a normal gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Given parenterally, it penetrates into bile and pleural, pericardial, synovial, and ascitic fluids. However, penetration into even inflamed cerebrospinal fluid...
    Merck Manuals
    Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.