Vancomycin Hydrochloride: Package Insert / Prescribing Info

1.1 Septicemia

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is indicated in adults and pediatric patients (neonates and older) for the treatment of septicemia due to:

• Susceptible isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and coagulase negative staphylococci.
• Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

1.2 Infective Endocarditis

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is indicated in adults and pediatric patients (neonates and older) for the treatment of infective endocarditis due to:

• Susceptible isolates of MRSA.
• Viridans group streptococci Streptococcus gallolyticus (previously known as Streptococcus bovis), Enterococcus species and Corynebacterium species. For enterococcal endocarditis, use Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection in combination with an aminoglycoside.
• Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is indicated in adults and pediatric patients (neonates and older) for the treatment of early-onset prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis in combination with rifampin and an aminoglycoside.

1.3 Skin and Skin Structure Infections

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is indicated in adults and pediatric patients (neonates and older) for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections due to:

• Susceptible isolates of MRSA and coagulase negative staphylococci.
• Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

1.4 Bone Infections

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is indicated in adults and pediatric patients (neonates and older) for the treatment of bone infections due to:

• Susceptible isolates of MRSA and coagulase negative staphylococci.
• Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

1.5 Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is indicated in adults and pediatric patients (neonates and older) for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections due to:

• Susceptible isolates of MRSA
• Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

1.6 Usage

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection 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.

2.1 Important Administration Instructions

To reduce the risk of infusion related adverse reactions, administer Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection in a diluted solution over 60 minutes or greater [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection concentrations of no more than 5 mg/mL are recommended in adults [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. See also age-specific recommendations [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. In selected patients in need of fluid restriction, a concentration up to 10 mg/mL may be used [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Administer Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection prior to intravenous anesthetic agents to reduce the risk of infusion related adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Administer Vancomycin Hydrochloride by a secure intravenous route of administration to avoid local irritation and phlebitis reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

The supplied lyophilized powder must be reconstituted and subsequently diluted prior to intravenous use [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

2.2 Dosage in Adult Patients With Normal Renal Function

The usual daily intravenous dose is 2 grams divided either as 500 mg every 6 hours or 1 g every 12 hours. Administer each dose over a period of 60 minutes or greater. Other patient factors, such as age or obesity, may call for modification of the usual intravenous daily dose.

2.3 Dosage in Pediatric Patients With Normal Renal Function

2.4 Dosage in Patients With Renal Impairment

Dosage adjustment must be made in patients with renal impairment. The initial dose should be no less than 15 mg/kg, in patients with any degree of renal impairment.

In premature infants and the elderly, greater dosage reductions than expected may be necessary because of decreased renal function. Measure trough vancomycin serum concentrations to guide therapy, especially in seriously ill patients with changing renal function.

For functionally anephric patients, an initial dose of 15 mg/kg of body weight should be given to achieve prompt therapeutic serum concentration. A dose of 1.9 mg/kg/24 hr should be given after the initial dose of 15 mg/kg.

2.5 Preparation of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection for Intravenous Administration and Storage Instructions

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection must be reconstituted and further diluted.

2.6 Compatibility with Intravenous Fluids

The following diluents are physically and chemically compatible with 5 g/L vancomycin hydrochloride:

5% Dextrose Injection, USP

5% Dextrose Injection and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

Lactated Ringer's Injection, USP

Lactated Ringer's and 5% Dextrose Injection, USP

0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

2.7 Incompatibilities for Intravenous Use

Vancomycin solution has a low pH and may cause chemical or physical instability when it is mixed with other compounds.

Mixtures of solutions of vancomycin and beta-lactam antibacterial drugs 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 antibacterial drugs. It is also recommended to dilute solutions of vancomycin to 5 mg/mL or less.

5.1 Infusion Reactions

Hypotension, including shock and cardiac arrest, wheezing, dyspnea, urticaria, muscular and chest pain may occur with rapid Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administration. The reactions may be more severe in younger patients, particularly children, and in patients receiving concomitant muscle relaxant anesthetics.

Rapid intravenous administration of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection may also be associated with “vancomycin infusion reaction”, which manifests as pruritus and erythema that involves the face, neck and upper torso.

Infusion-related adverse reactions are related to both the concentration and the rate of administration of vancomycin. Infusion-related adverse reactions may occur, however, at any rate or concentration.

Administer Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection in a diluted solution over a period of 60 minutes or greater to reduce the risk of infusion-related adverse reactions. In selected patients in need of fluid restriction, a concentration up to 10 mg/mL may be used; use of such higher concentrations may increase the risk of infusion-related adverse reactions. Administer prior to intravenous anesthetic agents when feasible. Stop the infusion if a reaction occurs.

5.2 Nephrotoxicity

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection can result in acute kidney injury (AKI), including acute renal failure, mainly due to interstitial nephritis or less commonly acute tubular necrosis. AKI is manifested by increasing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr). The risk of AKI increases with higher vancomycin serum levels, prolonged exposure, concomitant administration of other nephrotoxic drugs, concomitant administration of piperacillin-tazobactam [see Drug Interactions (7.2)], volume depletion, pre-existing renal impairment and in critically ill patients and patients with co-morbid conditions that predispose to renal impairment.

Monitor serum vancomycin concentrations and renal function in all patients receiving Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection. More frequent monitoring is recommended in patients with comorbidities that predispose to impairment in renal function or are concomitantly receiving other nephrotoxic drugs, in critically ill patients, in patients with changing renal function, and in patients requiring higher therapeutic vancomycin levels. If acute kidney injury occurs, discontinue Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection or reduce the dose.

5.3 Ototoxicity

Ototoxicity has occurred in patients receiving Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection. It may be transient or permanent. Ototoxicity manifests as tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness or vertigo. The risk is higher in older patients, patients who are receiving higher doses, who have an underlying hearing loss, who are receiving concomitant therapy with another ototoxic agent, such as an aminoglycoside or who have underlying renal impairment. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ototoxicity during therapy. Monitor serum vancomycin concentrations and renal function in all patients receiving parenteral vancomycin. Discontinue Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection if ototoxicity occurs. Dosage of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection must be adjusted for patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Serial tests of auditory function may be helpful in order to minimize the risk of ototoxicity.

5.4 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 for Injection at the first appearance of signs and symptoms of TEN, SJS, DRESS, AGEP, or LABD.

5.5 Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, 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 antibacterial 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 antibacterial use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Clinically significant serum concentrations have been reported in some patients being treated for active C. difficile-induced pseudomembranous colitis after multiple oral doses of vancomycin.

Prolonged use of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection may result in the overgrowth of nonsusceptible microorganisms. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken. In rare instances, there have been reports of pseudomembranous colitis due to C. difficile developing in patients who received intravenous Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection.

5.6 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.

5.7 Neutropenia

Reversible neutropenia has been reported in patients receiving Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Patients who will undergo prolonged therapy with Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection or those who are receiving concomitant drugs which may cause neutropenia should have periodic monitoring of the leukocyte count.

5.8 Phlebitis and Other Administration Site Reactions

Inflammation at the site of injection of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection has been reported. Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is irritating to tissue and must be given by a secure intravenous route of administration to reduce the risk of local irritation and phlebitis.

Administration of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection by intramuscular (IM), intraperitoneal, intrathecal (intralumbar or intraventricular), or intravitreal routes has not been approved and is not recommended. The safety and efficacy of vancomycin administered by the intrathecal (intralumbar or intraventricular) route or by the intraperitoneal route have not been established by adequate and well controlled trials.

Pain, tenderness, and necrosis occur with IM injection of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection or with inadvertent extravasation. Thrombophlebitis may occur, the frequency and severity of which can be minimized by administering the drug slowly as a dilute solution (2.5 to 5 g/L) and by rotation of venous access sites.

Intraperitoneal administration during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) can result in chemical peritonitis. Manifestations range from cloudy dialysate alone to a cloudy dialysate accompanied by variable degrees of abdominal pain and fever. This syndrome appears to be resolve after discontinuation of intraperitoneal vancomycin.

5.9 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Prescribing Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The following adverse reactions associated with the use of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection were identified in clinical trials:

Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and “vancomycin infusion reaction” [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Erythema (especially of the face, neck and upper torso) and pruritus which are manifestations of rashes including exfoliative dermatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Renal and urinary disorders: Acute kidney injury and interstitial nephritis

Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: Tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Agranulocytosis, neutropenia, pancytopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Pseudomembranous colitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

Cardiac Disorders: Cardiac arrest, chest pain

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: General discomfort, fever, chills, phlebitis, injection site irritation, injection site pain and necrosis following intramuscular injection, chemical peritonitis following intraperitoneal administration

(Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is not approved for intramuscular and intraperitoneal administration) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]

Laboratory Abnormalities: Elevated blood urea nitrogen, elevated serum creatinine

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Muscle pain

Nervous system disorders: Dizziness

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Wheezing, dyspnea

Vascular disorders: Hypotension, shock, vasculitis

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of vancomycin. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

7.1 Anesthetic Agents

Concomitant administration of vancomycin and anesthetic agents has been associated with erythema and histamine-like flushing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

7.2 Piperacillin-Tazobactam

Studies have detected an increased incidence of acute kidney injury in patients administered concomitant piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin as compared to vancomycin alone. Monitor kidney function in patients receiving concomitant piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin. No pharmacokinetic interactions have been noted between piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin.

7.3 Ototoxic and/or Nephrotoxic Drugs

Concurrent and/or sequential systemic or topical use of other potentially, neurotoxic and/or nephrotoxic drugs requires more frequent monitoring of renal function.

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is indicated in pediatric patients (neonates and older). In pediatric patients, monitor vancomycin serum concentration and renal function when administering Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection [see Dosage and Administration (2.2, 2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. More severe infusion related reactions related to vancomycin administration may occur in pediatric patients. Concomitant administration of vancomycin and intravenous anesthetic agents has been associated with erythema and histamine-like flushing in all patients including pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)], and it may be useful to monitor renal function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Vancomycin is an antibacterial drug [see Microbiology (12.4)].

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of vancomycin is unknown.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

In subjects with normal kidney function, multiple intravenous dosing of 1 g of vancomycin (15 mg/kg) infused over 60 minutes produces mean plasma concentrations of approximately 63 mcg/mL immediately after the completion of infusion, mean plasma concentrations of approximately 23 mcg/mL 2 hours after infusion, and mean plasma concentrations of approximately 8 mcg/mL 11 hours after the end of the infusion. Multiple dosing of 500 mg infused over 30 minutes produces mean plasma concentrations of about 49 mcg/mL at the completion of infusion, mean plasma concentrations of about 19 mcg/mL 2 hours after infusion, and mean plasma concentrations of about 10 mcg/mL 6 hours after infusion. The plasma concentrations during multiple dosing are like those after a single dose.

12.4 Microbiology

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Although no long-term studies in animals have been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, no mutagenic potential of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection was found in standard laboratory tests. No definitive fertility studies have been performed.

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

In animal studies, hypotension and bradycardia occurred in dogs receiving an intravenous infusion of vancomycin hydrochloride 25 mg/kg, at a concentration of 25 mg/mL and an infusion rate of 13.3 mL/min.

Storage Conditions

Prior to reconstitution, store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

Lyophilized.
Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free.
The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.
Discard unused portion.

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 healthcare 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, 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)].

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March 2024

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