Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025

A Novel Method to Determine the Longitudinal Antibacterial Activity of Drug-Eluting Materials
Published on: March 3, 2023
Impact of Recent Methamphetamine Use on Vancomycin Clearance
S Andrea Laguado1, Nina Vadiei1, Kateryna Yenina1
1S. Andrea Laguado, Pharm.D, Nina Vadiei, Pharm.D, BCPP, Kateryna Yenina, Pharm.D, BCPS, The University of Arizona/Banner University Medical Center South, Tucson, Arizona.
Recent methamphetamine use appears to increase vancomycin clearance. However, this stimulant drug did not significantly affect achieving target vancomycin trough levels in patients. Further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacokinetics
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Vancomycin is a critical antibiotic for treating serious Gram-positive infections.
- Understanding factors influencing vancomycin clearance is crucial for optimizing therapeutic efficacy.
- The impact of recreational drug use, such as methamphetamine, on drug metabolism is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between recent methamphetamine use and vancomycin clearance.
- To determine if methamphetamine use influences the achievement of target vancomycin trough concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, multi-center study involving adult patients receiving vancomycin.
- Patients were categorized based on urine drug screen results for amphetamines.
- Vancomycin clearance and trough concentrations were primary outcome measures.
Main Results:
- Vancomycin clearance was significantly higher in patients with recent methamphetamine use (94.54 mL/min) compared to controls (86.84 mL/min).
- No significant difference in achieving goal vancomycin trough levels was observed between the groups.
- Increased vancomycin clearance was also associated with higher BMI and cocaine use.
Conclusions:
- Recent methamphetamine use may be associated with increased vancomycin clearance.
- Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore the impact on therapeutic drug monitoring.
Related Concept Videos
Estimation of k and VD of Aminoglycosides
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Dependence of Elimination Half-Life and Dose Clearance
A study on guinea pigs examined the...
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Drug Distribution and Drug Interactions
One important factor is the relationship between renal clearance and the apparent volume of distribution. Renal clearance tends to be inversely proportional to the apparent volume of distribution. Drugs with an extensive distribution volume or those...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Active Drug, Metabolite and Fraction of Metabolized Drug

