Skin and soft tissue infections: 30 mg/kg/day IV divided in 2 doses
p.o. formulation for C. Diff
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits synthesis of the bacterial cell wall by forming noncovalent complexes with precursors of bacterial peptidoglycan
Covers gram positives (including MRSA and Enterococcus spp.
Indications
IV: skin and soft tissue infections caused by or suspected to be caused by MRSA
Orally used in treatment of C. Difficile
Adverse Effects
Red man syndrome occurs with histamine release from rapid infusion (can lead to shock); not a true allergic reaction and can be prevented with slower infusion +/- pre-treatment with antihistamines
Other systemic: ototoxicity (in patients with renal failure), nephrotoxicity (especially if other nephrotoxic medications (e.g. aminoglycosides), fever, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, phlebitis
Dermatologic: linear IgA bullous dermatosis (up to 21 days), toxic epidermal necrolysis
