Clinical review: use of vancomycin in haemodialysis patients

Crit Care. 2002 Aug;6(4):313-6. doi: 10.1186/cc1516. Epub 2002 Jun 10.

Abstract

Following intravenous administration, vancomycin is poorly metabolized and is mainly excreted unchanged in urine. Total body clearance is thus dependent on the kidney, and is correlated with glomerular filtration rate and creatinine clearance. Accumulation of vancomycin in patients with renal insufficiency may therefore occur, and this may lead to toxic side effects if dosage is not modified according to the degree of renal failure. Furthermore, vancomycin easily diffuses through dialysis membranes. The aim of the present review is to establish guidelines for handling this drug in such patients. We indicate how and when plasma concentrations of vancomycin should be determined in dialysis patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / adverse effects
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / metabolism
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacokinetics
  • Creatinine / urine
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Clearance Rate
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Renal Dialysis*
  • Vancomycin* / adverse effects
  • Vancomycin* / metabolism
  • Vancomycin* / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Vancomycin
  • Creatinine