What is the recommended dose of Vancomycin for severe staphylococcus infections or endocarditis?

The recommended dose of Vancomycin for treating severe Staphylococcus infections or endocarditis is 1 gram IV every 12 hours over 1 hour. This dosing regimen is designed to achieve effective therapeutic levels while minimizing potential toxicity, particularly nephrotoxicity, which is a concern with Vancomycin.

In cases of severe infections like endocarditis, higher doses are often necessary to ensure adequate drug levels due to increased bacterial virulence and biofilm formation. Administering the dose intravenously (IV) allows for better absorption and immediate therapeutic effects, which is crucial in treating serious infections. The choice of administering the drug over one hour also helps in reducing the risk of infusion-related reactions, typically associated with rapid infusions of Vancomycin.

This dosing strategy aligns with current guidelines for the serious treatment of severe staphylococcal infections, particularly targeting the necessary pharmacokinetics to sustain the drug concentration above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the pathogen involved.